Patricia (Banks) Edmiston, Aviation Pioneer Who Broke Barriers So All Black Dolls Could Fly, BECOMES A DOLL! Inducted into the Black Aviation Hall of Fame and born in Harlem in 1937, Patricia Banks Edmiston made history as one of the first Black women to challenge—and shatter—the color barrier in American commercial aviation. In 1956, after completing training at Grace Downs Air Career School, she was bluntly told, “The airlines don’t hire Negroes.” But Pat didn’t back down. She took the industry to court, becoming a fearless civil rights figure in the skies. Her groundbreaking victory opened the cabin doors for generations of Black flight attendants, pilots, and aviation professionals. Because of Patricia’s fight for civil rights in aviation, trailblazers like Ruth Carol Taylor (December 27, 1931 – May 12, 2023), were able to soar. After one year as a stewardess, Pat stepped into motherhood and later dedicated decades of service to drug addiction treatment as a respected Program Director. Adding to our UNBELIEVABLE legacy, that never ceases to amaze me, today I am proud to honor “Pat”—as she graciously asked me to call her—by welcoming this already legendary woman into The Black Doll Affair’s Honorary Roster known as The Black Dolls. A true pioneer, she now stands in celebrated company alongside aviation icon Bessie Coleman (1892–1926), the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license, who inspired generations of women and African Americans to take to the skies. More exciting news, if you donated to our GOFUNDME, you’ll receive a commemorative Bessie Coleman Barbie, complete with a personalized note and autograph from our trailblazing Honorary Black Doll, Patricia Banks Edmiston. Just as exciting! It’s not too late to donate! Give this weekend, and you too will receive a personalized, Dolling commemorative gift—autographed by our Honorary Black Doll, Patricia Banks Edmiston. Speaking of paving the way, Pat and I (Mama Doll) would like to extend heartfelt thanks to those who helped honor her legacy: Melvin Blackman, Jacqueline Jaquett Williams, and Sarah Colt. Your support helped this historic moment take flight. Because discrimination didn’t fly with inspiring aviators like Bessie and Pat—we can. In your determination to succeed in the face of discriminatory practices, we thank hue, Pat. You’re a Doll, Mama Doll, Founder The Black Doll Affair
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