Captain Louis L. Freeman
Southwest Airlines
In 1980 Louis Freeman became Southwest Airlines first black pilot, and in 1992 he became the first black chief pilot of any major United States’ airline.
Lou attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, Texas, and in l967 Freeman, his brother, and 8 others were the first black students to integrate the school. He went on to graduate from East Texas State University where he was the first African American to become Cadet Commander of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
Upon completing USAF Pilot Training (UPT), he was assigned to the 454th Flying Training Squadron in Sacramento, California, flying the military version of the Boeing 737-200. He was an instructor pilot and “Squadron Pilot of the Year.” He left the Air Force and “dreamed” of becoming a Southwest Airlines’ pilot.
In 2005, Lou participated in the Rosa Parks home-going celebrations. He piloted Rosa Parks’ remains, family, and friends to three cities. He then represented Southwest Airlines at the Rosa Parks Bill Signing Ceremony conducted by President George Bush and also at the 2006 NAACP National Convention.
Lou vehemently believes in the philosophy of inspiring young children to dream and helping others to fulfill their dreams. He kicked off the Southwest Airlines “Adopt-A-Pilot” program in Washington DC with the US Secretary of Education and a class of ;ifth graders eager to learn about geography, science, aviation, and mathematics. With a major focus on giving back to the community, or in Southwest Airlines lingo: “Share the Spirit,” Lou has been sharing the spirit as a Southwest Airlines Employee for 35 years.
His leadership is far reaching as seen through his many initiatives: he served as Chief Pilot for 1000 Chicago-based pilots for over fifteen years, mentors 5th grade students and young pilots. He organized the Southwest Airlines 737 Type Rating Scholarships, which were awarded at the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals annual Convention. He has participated in many Tuskegee Airmen celebrations throughout the US. Lou is currently a check airman and line pilot based at his beloved Midway Airport in Chicago IL.