Hubert Julian

Hubert Julian

Deceased · Born: Jan 5, 1897 · Died: Feb 19, 1983

Personal Details

BornJan 5, 1897 Trinidad, British West Indies [now Trinidad and Tobago]

Biography

Hubert Julian, a renowned individual, came into this world in the year 1897, in the picturesque island of Trinidad, West Indies, where his family, being of a wealthy and influential background, owned a thriving plantation. His father, a plantation owner of considerable means, provided a privileged upbringing for his son. In his formative years, Hubert was enrolled in a prestigious boarding school in England, where he was expected to receive a top-notch education. However, the outbreak of World War I in 1918 drastically altered the course of his life. As a result of the war, Hubert was relocated to Canada, a significant departure from his original plans. Prior to his relocation, he had been diligently working on a groundbreaking invention, which combined the principles of a helicopter and parachute. This innovative device would later become the subject of a patent, a testament to Hubert's ingenuity and creativity.

Julian's fascination with the world of aviation played a pivotal role in his life, ultimately leading him to pursue flying lessons and embark on a journey that would make him a trailblazer in the field. In 1922, he took the bold step of participating in the Long Island Air Show, a decision that would not only showcase his exceptional flying skills but also make him the first African-American to parachute from a plane over the bustling city of New York.

As a result of his daring stunt, Julian gained international recognition for his remarkable flying abilities and formed lasting bonds with influential figures from around the world. Among those he befriended were prominent leaders such as Marcus Garvey, a renowned Pan-Africanist and founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, and Haile Selassie, the Emperor of Ethiopia who would later play a crucial role in the fight against colonialism.

Through his experiences and connections, Julian not only made a name for himself in the world of aviation but also became a part of a larger narrative of African-American achievement and empowerment during the early 20th century.

Julian's bold declaration of intent in the year 1924 signified his resolve to embark on an extraordinary aerial adventure, with the ambitious goal of flying from the iconic city of New York to the vast and majestic continent of Africa.

However, fate had other plans, and Julian's aircraft unfortunately suffered a catastrophic failure, resulting in a devastating crash into the tranquil waters of Flushing Bay.

Undeterred by this setback, Julian persevered and continued to hone his skills, ultimately transforming his passion into a lucrative career through the performance of death-defying airborne stunts.

As a result, he earned the nickname "The Black Eagle," a moniker that would forever be synonymous with his daring exploits and unwavering dedication to the world of aviation.

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Julian's network of influential contacts expanded exponentially, fostering an array of associations with prominent world leaders and celebrities, which ultimately led to a most prestigious and exclusive opportunity: he was appointed as the personal pilot for the enigmatic and revered Father Divine in the year 1932.

Throughout this period, Julian's connection with the esteemed leader, Haile Selassie, remained particularly strong, and as a token of their enduring bond, Selassie subsequently bestowed upon Julian the distinguished honor of Colonel in the Ethiopian Air Force. Moreover, when the Italian forces invaded Ethiopia in 1939, Selassie entrusted Julian with the critical role of Military Governor, further solidifying his position within the country's leadership structure.

Julian's wartime experiences were marked by a unique twist, as he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during the tumultuous period of World War II. However, due to his age, he was deemed unfit for combat duty, and instead, he was honorably released to pursue a vital role at the esteemed Ford Motor Co. aircraft plant in Michigan.

In the aftermath of the war, Julian's career trajectory took a dramatic turn when he was appointed president of Ethiopian Airlines by the esteemed Emperor Haile Selassie. This prestigious position showcased Julian's exceptional leadership skills and his ability to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy.

Julian remained steadfast in his commitment to public service, dedicating his time and expertise to the 1948 presidential campaign of Harry S. Truman, a stalwart leader who embodied the values of integrity and dedication. Following this pivotal moment in American history, Julian continued to demonstrate his unwavering dedication to promoting social justice, investigating allegations of discrimination against African American troops who were bravely serving during the Berlin Airlift.

As the years passed, Julian made the decision to return to the United States in 1951, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that would serve him well in his future endeavors. It was during this period that he chose to pursue a new path, registering as an arms dealer and eventually acquiring a prestigious apartment building in the bustling metropolis of New York City.

During the tumultuous 1960s, Julian's entrepreneurial spirit led him to explore various pursuits, including a foray into the film industry, where he collaborated with the renowned director Oscar Micheaux on the production of two notable movies.

As his interests continued to diversify, Julian also ventured into the lucrative world of gold trading, leveraging his expertise to serve as a broker for foreign entities seeking to acquire US gold reserves.

Julian's life came to a close in the vibrant metropolis of New York City, a city that had been his home and the stage for his many accomplishments, in the year 1983. As his mortal coil was laid to rest, the world was left to reflect on the profound impact he had made on the world of aviation and the significant strides he had taken towards breaking down racial barriers, cementing his status as a true trailblazer and an inspiration to countless individuals, particularly those from the African-American community, who saw in him a shining example of what could be achieved through hard work, determination, and a steadfast commitment to one's goals.

Career

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2017