Memphis, Tenn. may be known as the Home of Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n’ Roll, but last month it was home to a different sound – the sound of thousands of aviators filling the historic city to take part in the 48th Annual Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) Conference.
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Every year, the OBAP Conference moves to a different city that holds significance in Black culture and history, and this year in Memphis was one for the books. The city that saw its Black-owned businesses thrive on Beale Street during the Civil War welcomed thousands of Black aviators nearly 200 years later to network and celebrate their accomplishments in the industry with each other.
“This is my second year attending the OBAP Conference, but my first year attending as an Envoy pilot,” said Envoy First Officer Reggie Johnson, Jr. “Coming back this year after completing the Envoy Cadet Program nearly a year ago, I feel like I leveled-up in life. Being here in a whole new uniform and being able to answer the same questions I was asking a year ago for people who are on the same path I was has been the best feeling.”
This year, Envoy was not only a Bronze Sponsor of the Annual Conference, but a proud host of the Memphis Music Welcome Reception, which served to kick off the soon-to-be fun-filled few days.
“This conference means so much to me in general, but being able to come on behalf of Envoy and meet people here in this energized environment makes it all the more special,” adds Air Operations Recruiter Requel Henry. “This is my second year attending the conference and I couldn’t be happier to have a part in the joint success that both Envoy and OBAP see from this event every year.”
Though many people around the Annual Conference could be seen sporting their pilot uniforms, this organization is designed to support all members of the aerospace profession – that means anyone from aircraft mechanics to astronauts are welcome to join in the fun.
“My dad and brother are both auto mechanics, and I have another brother who’s an aircraft mechanic, so working on cars and things of that nature has always been in the bloodline,” said Envoy Little Rock (LIT) Aircraft Mechanic and Crew Chief Danielle Mitchell. “I’ve been an OBAP member since 2004, and it has provided me not only with mentors but with a family that encourages and pushes me to reach as high as I can in my career, and I look forward to reconnecting with that family at every OBAP event.”
With all the fun we had this year, we can’t wait to see what OBAP brings to the plate in 2025!