Wednesday 11 February 2026

Black History Month: Air Canada Celebrates Black Youth Journeys – Past, Present, and Future
Each February, Black History Month invites us to honour the stories, achievements, and contributions of Black communities across Canada. At Air Canada, this moment is more than a commemoration, it is a continuation of our commitment to uplifting Black youth, amplifying representation, and creating pathways that help the next generation soar. This year, we partnered with the Pinball Foundation, co-founded 20 years ago by Michael “Pinball” Clemons and his wife, Diane, to celebrate the journeys of Black youth. Their stories reflect resilience, innovation, and courage, and inspire us to continue shaping a more inclusive, accessible future in aviation and beyond. Earlier this month, a group of Black youth, business and community leaders embarked on a special one-day journey aboard an Air Canada aircraft – featuring an all-black crew of two pilots and three flight attendants – and travelled from Toronto to Halifax, where they visited the historic Pier 21. Called “Legacy Lift-Off”, the attendees walked in the footsteps of Black Canadian history in a place that welcomed thousands of newcomers, and also learned of the challenges and struggles the community endured. Stories of the community’s history from Africville elders, Africville Museum Director Juanita Peters, as well as Clemons and his wife, Diane educated and inspired a room filled with business and community leaders, as well as students that are supported by the Pinball Foundation’s work. “Black History Month is an opportunity to honour the resilience, achievement, and leadership of Black communities across Canada, and to reflect on the shared responsibility we all have in building a more inclusive future. At Air Canada, we believe deeply in the power of possibility, especially when young people can see their potential reflected at them,” said Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs at Air Canada. “We are proud to stand alongside the Pinball Foundation to help create pathways that empower Black youth to pursue horizons they may once have only imagined. This month, and every month, we remain committed to supporting that future leaders in aviation and beyond can rise with confidence, purpose, and pride. Their stories are Canada’s future, and we are honoured to help them take flight.” “Legacy Lift-Off was a powerful day dedicated to learning about Canada’s history and the untold stories of Africville. From the moment we gathered at Gate D33, the energy was palpable. Air Canada welcomed us onboard with an all-Black flight crew – an intentional act of representation that resonated deeply, particularly with our youth. The theme of intentionality permeated throughout this day of reflection and fellowship. Guided by Africville elders, we listened, learned, and honoured the past while envisioning the future; a future where under-resourced youth are supported through access to education, mentorship, and employment opportunities,” said Michael Clemons. “Most importantly, Legacy Lift-Off reminded us that Black history is Canadian history. We are incredibly proud and grateful to partner with Air Canada on this unique and unforgettable experience, where we reinforced our commitment to youth, and had the privilege of showing young people that their dreams truly can take flight.” Air Canada’s collaboration with the Pinball Foundation aligns with our long‑standing belief that representation makes a difference – in our workplaces, our flight decks, our maintenance hangars, our customer-facing teams, and throughout the communities we serve. By investing in youth today, Air Canada is helping to create opportunities for Black youth to dream big, take flight, and pursue futures filled with purpose and potential is more than a sponsorship, it is a shared mission to create transformational outcomes for young people.