‘It’s UATL’ pod: Flying high with one of Delta’s first Black flight attendants
The hosts of “It’s UATL” commemorate March as Women’s History Month with an Atlanta legend and one of Delta Airlines’ first Black flight attendants.
Phenola Culbreth, an Old Fourth Ward native, became a flight attendant in 1966 when she was just 19 years old. Initially inspired to go into the performing arts, Culbreth met one of Delta’s first Black ticketing agents who helped open the door to the opportunity.
At the time, people were leery of getting on airplanes. Even Culbreth had never taken a flight before her first assignment.
“It was just wonderful. I remember the first time,” Culbreth said. “It was so exciting. So exhilarating. I fell in love with it — the first takeoff.”
Culbreth discusses flying high adhering to strict rules in the midst of segregation.
This week’s episode
Also in this week’s episode, discussion circles around the 7-year collective bargaining agreement made between WNBA players and their union.
Our hosts pay homage to “Apollo” host Kiki Shepard. The icon, who passed away March 16, paved the way for Black women everywhere — from television to fashion. She remains a personality staple within Black entertainment.
The hosts get us prepared for the vast fundraiser that is HBCU AwareFest. The event raises money for historical Black colleges and universities with a massive concert, comedy show and multiple education panels.
Related reads from UATL and AJC
Follow the stories that inspired this week’s episode.
- As Delta’s first Black flight attendants, they were ready for social change
- Magic City shown support at Atlanta Hawks game despite NBA cancellation
- Are the Dream Atlanta’s best sports franchise? They could be.
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Roll credits
“It’s UATL” comes from DeAsia Paige, Nedra Rhone, Najja Parker, Isabelle Kerby-McGowan, Cara Shillenn, Gavin Godfrey, Shane Beckler, Ron Williams, Matt Gannon, Kishuna Joseph, Keith Lovely Jr., Megan Nadolski, Samantha Stamler and Janel Davis.
About the Author
Brooke Leigh Howard is a reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Black culture team, UATL.