Greatest Stories Never Told

The plays and exhibits we produce at The Greatest Stories Never Told™, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, excite and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Learn about James Herman Banning, the first African American to fly across the country

what people are saying

Testimonials

“THE EXHIBIT ITSELF IS INTERACTIVE, INFORMATIVE, AND BRINGS A STORY TO LIFE THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE FORGOTTEN”

— Stephanie Chester, Manager, Community Relations, Tulsa International Airport

“IT SPARKS CREATIVITY AND LEADS TO GREAT SUCCESS”

— Jonathan Townsend, Assistant to the Mayor for Community Development and Policy

“THE SOLUTIONS, TOO, MIRROR THOSE USED TO ENTICE MORE WOMEN TO WORK TOWARD STEM CAREERS”

— Dr. Pauline Harris, Title IX Director and Human Rights Coordinator Tulsa Public Schools

“A WORTHY VEHICLE TO TELL THE WHOLE TRUTH”

— Alicia Latimer, MHR, MLIS- African-American Resource Center Coordinator, Tulsa City-County Library System

“OUR STUDENTS THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE PLAY”

—Miriam Bernabei, Westchester High School, Hartsadle, NY

“J. Herman Banning was the most important pilot in the era before the Tuskegee Airmen”

— Lonnie Bunch, founding director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture

“EXCELLENT WAY OF INFUSING STEM WITH HIDDEN HISTORY THAT BOTH ENTERTAINS AND EDUCATES PEOPLE OF ALL AGES!”

— Sam Washington, Westchester High School Science Teacher, Hartsdale, NY

“BANNING'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN AVIATION ARE REMARKABLE”

— Fath David Ruffins, Curator of African American History and Culture, National Museum of American History

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“Its edifying, empowering narrative will enthrall aspiring aviators and young history buffs.” -Publishers Weekly

“An irresistibly inspiring story for all ages.” -Kathryn Erskine, author of the National Book Award winner Mockingbird

“A richly illustrated account of the remarkable career of aviation pioneer James Herman Banning.”-Von Hardesty, author of Black Wings: Courageous Stories of African Americans in Aviation and Space History

“A marvelous work that does its hero proud.” - Allan Stratton, author of the Michael L. Printz Honor Book Chanda’s Secrets

“An exhilarating story about (African)-American achievement! Sure to captivate and inspire young people, to follow their dreams, begin their journey, push through adversity until they reach their goals.” -Jeantique Oriol, actor and star of The Flying Hobos

“Sprouting Wings is the story of a dream, ingenuity, guts, bravery, and determination.” -Gary Schmidt, two-time Newbury Honor winner and National Book Award finalist

“This story reminds me of a determined little girl who also took to the skies and became the first African American woman to fly and receive an international license, my great aunt Bessie Coleman!” -Dr. Jilda D. Motley