Louis Freeman started with the airline almost four decades ago. The 64-year-old Southwest Airlines pilot retired after nearly 37 years with the airline and his celebration was sincerely moving. When he started at age 25, Louis Freeman was Southwest\u2019s first black pilot, though he didn\u2019t know it at the time. He later became the first black chief pilot at any major U.S. airline, paving the way for pilots of color in an industry where minorities are scarce. \u201cIt never occurred to me but when I got here I was the only pilot of color, it didn\u2019t take long to figure out,\u201d he told the Associated Press. \u201cI put a whole lot of pressure on myself because I had to get it right. I had to be perfect because I wanted them to hire more of us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Freeman is clearly beloved at the airline, where he mentored plenty of younger pilots. \u201cI strive to mentor all pilots, I let it be known I am just a phone call away, any day and any hour,\u201d Freeman told HuffPost. \u201cI love to talk, and I love to help others problem solve. Some of the young pilots presented me a poster calling me \u2018the Godfather.\u2019\u201d Five of those mentored pilots turned up at the gate for Freeman\u2019s final flight from Dallas to Chicago. His long pilot\u2019s career has encompassed his rise to management and the honor of flying the body of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks from Detroit to her funeral in Montgomery, Ala. For his last trip, Freeman flew a plane full of friends with his wife, son and champagne for his passengers. He said he hopes his career inspires others. \u201cI want people to know their dream is possible,\u201d Freeman said. \u201cIf you dream it and if you really want it, you can make it yours. Sure, it will take work, dedication, focus, determination and knowledge, but you can do it.\u201d The former Air Force pilot landed to a water cannon salute. Congratulations, Captain Lou!!<\/p>\n
There Was Always The First One Who Filled That Spot On The Long Road To Integration <\/b>
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