Some people have a clear vision of what they want to do in life from a very young age. Delante Sykes is one of them. He knew he wanted to be a pilot ever since he was six years old, when he saw a plane flying over his hometown of Detroit, Michigan. He was fascinated by the idea of flying and exploring the world.
But his dream was not easy to achieve. He faced many challenges and obstacles along the way, such as financial difficulties, lack of mentors, and discrimination. He had to work hard, study hard, and persevere through many setbacks and disappointments. He never gave up on his passion, even when others doubted him or tried to discourage him.
After 11 years of dedication and determination, he finally realized his dream. He graduated from the Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation with a bachelor’s degree in aviation flight science and a commercial pilot license. He also became the first African American male to receive the WMU President’s Award for Aviation Excellence, which recognizes outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and service.
He is now working as a flight instructor at the WMU College of Aviation, where he teaches aspiring pilots the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the aviation industry. He is also pursuing his master’s degree in aviation safety and human factors. He hopes to inspire other young people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to follow their dreams and pursue careers in aviation.
He says that his journey has taught him many valuable lessons, such as resilience, patience, and gratitude. He is thankful for all the support and guidance he received from his family, friends, professors, and mentors. He is also proud of himself for overcoming all the challenges and reaching his goal.
He says that his dream is not only about flying, but also about making a positive impact on the world. He wants to use his skills and talents to help others, especially those in need. He says that he wants to be a role model for his community and show them that anything is possible with hard work and faith.
He says that his motto is “Dream big, work hard, and never give up”. He says that he hopes that his story will inspire others to do the same.
In other related sky news is Malik Sinegal, a 23-year-old from Biloxi, Mississippi. He is the youngest African American ever to become a certified Boeing 777 pilot in the country — and he didn’t even know it until he got a call from Boeing to congratulate him.
Sinegal has always loved aviation since he was a kid. He got his private pilot certificate at 18 and studied commercial aviation at Delta State University, where he graduated in 2019. He also traveled the world as an ambassador for Republic Airlines, visiting places like Egypt, Dubai, Australia and Tokyo.
But his ultimate dream was to fly the Boeing 777, also known as the Triple 7. It’s one of the most advanced and powerful planes in the world, capable of carrying up to 550 passengers and flying over 9,000 miles nonstop. It’s also one of the most challenging planes to fly, requiring years of experience and training. Read more about Malik here.
Malik and Delante are awesome black young men and we want to appreciate them today. Keep Rising!
