James R. Rogers Sr., who became the first African-American Airport Executive Director when appointed to the role in Little Rock, was recently recognized by the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission.
Rogers was a pioneer in American Aviation and a prominent community leader who was appointed director of the then Little Rock Regional Airport in 1980. That doubled passengers' boarding.
He also played an important role in bringing Southwest Airlines to Little Rock and was an early supporter of expanding the Dassault Falcon Jet.
Rogers was the first African-American executive director of the US Commercial Services airport. At the dedication ceremony held at Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, the Commission has announced a new road named in his honor – James R. Rogers Sr. Drive – at the airport.
Airport and city officials praised Rogers' legacy at the ceremony.
“Today, we celebrate the legacy of James Rogers, the country's first African-American airport director, and the rich history of Little Rock,” said Stephen C. Baker, executive director of Clinton National. “In this era, when people try to convince you that ups are down, history can fight obstacles and know that you can follow the intended flight path. Rogers believed in doing it the right way, not the simplest.
Rogers, a veteran of the US Air Force, was buried in Little Rock National Cemetery in 1993. The following year he was inducted into the Arkansas Airlines Hall of Fame.
Photos provided by Clinton National Airport
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