Circular Slide Rule, William J. Powell, 1935. Creator: Unknown

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Circular Slide Rule, William J. Powell, 1935. Creator: Unknown

During the 1920s William J. Powell led a small group of black air enthusiasts in Los Angeles. He established the Bessie Coleman Flying Club in 1929 and sponsored the first all-black air show on Labor Day 1931. As part of his effort to make aviation accessible to African American students, he taught classes on aeronautics at the Bessie Coleman Flying Club. This flight computer was among the equipment he used while teaching

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Media ID 23872279

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Air And Space Museum Arithmetic Aviation Calculator Computer Computing Flight Instrument Mathematics Maths Nasm National Air And Space Museum Powell William J Slide Rule

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable piece of history - the Circular Slide Rule, used by William J. Powell in 1935. Although the creator remains unknown, this flight computer played a significant role in Powell's efforts to make aviation accessible to African American students. During the 1920s, Powell led a small group of black air enthusiasts in Los Angeles and established the Bessie Coleman Flying Club in 1929. In an effort to provide education on aeronautics, he taught classes at the club using equipment like this flight computer. The image depicts a beautifully crafted instrument made from plastics, steel, copper alloy ink that embodies both scientific precision and technological advancement of its time. This slide rule served as an essential tool for calculations related to arithmetic, mathematics, and aviation. Powell's dedication to promoting diversity within aviation culminated with him sponsoring the first all-black air show on Labor Day in 1931. His legacy lives on through his contributions towards making aviation more inclusive for African Americans. Now preserved at the National Air and Space Museum under Smithsonian Institution's care, this heritage artifact stands as a testament to Powell's pioneering spirit and commitment towards advancing educational opportunities for marginalized communities during the early twentieth century.

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