Under pressure from a discrimination lawsuit by Ruth Carol Taylor, who had initially applied with Trans World Airline (TWA) and was rejected, Trans World Airlines hired Margaret Grant. She became the first African American flight attendant for a major U.S. airline. She wasn’t there long as she was released due to having sickle cell anemia which, according to doctors, caused issues at high altitude. It wasn’t until 1960 that a Black flight attendant was hired by another U.S. airline.
References:
- Conrard, Don. 2005. “Promoting Diversity: Flight attendants reach out to black
community during trip to Harlem.” Alaska’s World. Alaska Airlines. - Adams, Eric. 2009. “In the Constituent Spotlight: Ms. Carol Taylor!” The New York State Senate.