Captain Barrington Irving inducted into the African American Research Library’s Hall of Famous Black Achievers
FT. LAUDERDALE – Jamaican born and the youngest global aviator, Captain Barrington Irving has now joined the ranks of world famous Black achievers in the halls of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale.
Captain Barrington Irving is a twenty-three year old senior majoring in aerospace at Florida Memorial University in Miami, and was recently inducted following a Community Salute in his honor at the Library on Saturday (Oct. 27), for his pioneering achievements as the youngest and first Black to circumnavigate the globe. He completed his historic world mission in June this year, in a single engine Cessna traveling more than 26,000 miles for 97 days across 27 countries.
The national Library is one of three such locations in the USA focusing on Black heritage, culture and literature. The other two institutions are the New York’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, New York, and Atlanta Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History in Georgia.
Earlier that day, a pedestrian bridge at the Park Lakes Elementary School in Lauderdale Lakes, was dedicated in Irving’s honor. The bridge was officially named the Barrington Irving Bridge to Educational Excellence and was in support of Irving’s message of perseverance and motivation to students to pursue their dreams and take advantage of their education.
Irving then headed in a motorcade on an eight-mile trek to the Samuel Devoe Park located at the historical Library where he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award of that Institution, presented by the Executive Director, Ms. Alicia Antone. He also received proclamations from the City Commissions of Lauderdale Lakes and Lauderhill as well as the Broward School Board.
Addressing the audience of primarily school children and well-wishers who came to celebrate his achievement, Irving spoke briefly about his travels, at the same time encouraging the younger ones to set high standards to achieve excellence. He stressed the importance of having a mentor, as he was guided by a Jamaican pilot, Captain Gary Robinson, who introduced him to professions in the aviation industry.
Irving also spoke of his plans to expand his Experience Aviation Learning Center to Broward County, a center he started last year at the Opa-Locka Airport in Miami to get more youth involved in the aviation industry.
The 75,000 shelved books and reference material by famous Black authors at the Institution include those by former Jamaican Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson, the late Jamaican folklorist, Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley, O.J. and readings of National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey.
The Library also houses a wide range of subjects relating to Caribbean culture, heritage, government and development, politics and literature.
Last month, the Jamaica National Honour, Order of Distinction (O.D.) Rank of Commander, was conferred on Captain Irving at the National Heroes Day ceremony at King’s House.
