Marlon Green
Marlon Green, brother to Jim and Allen, was the first African-American to fly with a commercial airline. After several years of litigation, Continental Airlines was ordered by the U. S. Supreme Court to hire Marlon. He rose to the rank of Captain in more than 14 years of flying for Continental. He retired in 1978 due to health reasons. He died on July 6, 2009.
On Tuesday, February 9, 2010, Continental Airlines will dedicate a brand new 737-800 after Marlon Green. The ceremony will take place in Houston, TX. Speakers will be:Jeff Smisek, CEO, Continental AirlinesMs. Sheila Jackson-Lee, U. S. CongresswomanMr. Al Green, U. S. CongressmanThe next day, Wednesday, Feb 10, the Captain Marlon D. Green airplane will launch its first flight from Houston to Washington, DC. The passengers will be more than 100 students of the Houston Independent School District. The students will visit the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.
Jim Green will be in Houston along with other family members to witness and ceIebrate this history-making event. I know you join me in honoring this achievement.
El Dorado News Times had a front page article on this event Sat., Feb. 13.