Hosanna House Expands Aviation Education in Honor of Black History Month
For Immediate Release
January 28, 2026
Wilkinsburg, PA — Hosanna House, now home to Aerium West, celebrates Black History Month with a private reception on February 26, 2026 to honor the legacy of Black aviation and announce expanded access to aviation education and workforce development. This deepened partnership builds upon Hosanna House’s existing aviation programs by enhancing pathways for students and adult learners into aviation careers, with hands-on learning, certification routes, and exposure to higher education and quality jobs.
“This partnership with Aerium allows Hosanna House to expand access to aviation education and expose students to careers they may have never imagined possible,” said Dr. Tammi McMillan, Chief Program Officer of Hosanna House. “Black History Month calls us to do more than reflect on the past—it challenges us to build pathways for the future.”
The reception will feature remarks by Captain Shawn White, a Delta Airlines pilot, who will highlight Black representation and leadership in aviation and the importance of access and opportunity for the next generation. Aspiring aviator, Aaron Ntoko, a high school senior attending Tuskegee University in Fall 2026, will share how legacy and opportunity shaped his path toward aviation education.
While the February 26 reception is invitation-only, the public is invited to celebrate Black History Month throughout February at the Center for Aviation Technology & Training (CATT), powered by Hosanna House. Free hours are available Saturdays and Sundays from February 7–28, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CATT features the nationally touring exhibit “Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen,” including the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition “Black Wings: American Dreams of Flight.”
Created in partnership with Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, the exhibit brings to life the vision of Hosanna House’s Founding CEO and President Leon E. Haynes, III as it explores the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and today’s career possibilities through STEAM concepts and aviation themes for children and youth.
Through these partnerships, Hosanna House continues to advance aviation education programming, bringing innovative learning opportunities to students and adults across the region and the country.
Media inquiries, contact:
Jennifer Salmans | 412-342-1334 | jennifers@hosannahouse.org
807 Wallace Avenue Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 | P: (412) 342.1334 F: (412) 243-7733 | www.hosannahouse.org |
About Hosanna House:
For over 35 years, Hosanna House, Inc. has served as a community anchor institution housing health, human and educational services in the heart of Wilkinsburg. Over 42,000 people come through Hosanna House annually for services or events annually. Together, we provide opportunities that empower families andindividuals to discover, acknowledge and develop their maximum potential physically, spiritually, and economically. For more information, please visit https://hosannahouse.org/
About Aerium:
Aerium is a national leader dedicated to accelerating aviation innovation and expanding the workforce needed to sustain it. Through collaborative partnerships that leverage the strength of the entire aviation ecosystem—industry, education, government, and community organizations—Aerium drives forward solutions that make flight safer, smarter, and more accessible. At the same time, Aerium strengthens talent pipelines by preparing students, educators, and workers for high-demand careers across aerospace and advanced technology fields. By uniting innovation with workforce development, Aerium ensures both businesses and communities are ready for the opportunities of a rapidly evolving aviation economy. For more information, contact matt@aerium.org.
About Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service:
SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for more than 70 years. SITES connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science, and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play. For exhibition description and tour schedules, visit sites.si.edu.
