Jack and Jill Dallas hosts youth forum featuring Captain Barrington Irving

by Staff of North Dallas Gazette

Around the world in 96 days. That’s the feat Captain Barrington Irving accomplished on June 27, 2007 to become the first person of African decent and the youngest person to fly solo around the world. 26,800 miles later, he was in Dallas to share his inspirational story with youth from across the city.

The Dallas Chapter of Jack and Jill of America hosted Captain Irving at a youth forum on April 12 at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. He addressed Jack and Jill youth and parents and students from St. Philips School and Community Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He shared many interesting stories of his World Flight Adventure and information about careers in aviation, but the most important message he left with youth was to follow their dreams and never give up.

Captain Irving started his quest to become a pilot with few financial resources. So he became an “airport bum”, hanging around the airport to wash planes in exchange for half hour flights or money for flying lessons. He also volunteered his time to speak with church, school and community groups about careers in aviation. Giving back caught the attention of community leaders who helped Captain Irving get a college scholarship to take his aviation dreams to new and higher levels. “You never know who’s watching”, said Captain Irving. “Your hard work can be noticed when you least expect it, so always do your best.”

Captain Irving continues his mission to promote aviation learning with his nonprofit organization, Experience Aviation, Inc. He’s created a learning center and after-school program to help students identify and pursue their career goals.

“This was a tremendous opportunity for Dallas students to see how dreams become reality and create a learning experience that exposes kids to new hobbies and career options,” said Cynthia Arterbery, Dallas President of Jack and Jill.

Captain Barrington Irving is a 24-year old senior majoring in aerospace at Florida Memorial University. On March 23, 2007, he climbed into a single-engine plane called "Inspiration" to embark on a 26,800-mile, round-the-world flight which concluded in Miami on June 27, 2007. He was celebrated for setting two world records: he is the first person of African descent and the youngest person ever to fly solo around the globe. For more information on Barrington Irving, go to www.experienceaviation.org.

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is a family organization that provides cultural, social, civic and recreational activities that stimulate and expand the mind to enhance life. Today, Jack and Jill has a membership base of over 9,500 families and it is the oldest and largest African American family organization in the United States. Jack and Jill is committed to ensuring that all children have the same opportunities in life.