Speakers

Mr. Lewis is a native Houstonian. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Wiley College and later received two master’s degrees from Texas Southern University, one in Science and the other in Educational Administration.

Mr. Lewis began his teaching career in 1966 and became a principal in 1981. His passion for aviation began in 1985 when he received his first flight from a member of the Bronze Eagles. He went on to earn his Private Pilot Certificate in 1991.

In 1997, Mr. Lewis and 20 others co-founded the Black Pilots of America, Inc. He was elected President of the organization in 2002. In 2004, he played a key role in relocating the BPA Summer Flight Academy to Houston.

Mr. Lewis has been a dedicated leader in both the Bronze Eagles and the Black Pilots of America, serving as President and Vice President in both organizations. He is currently serving his second four-year term as Chairman of the Board of the Black Pilots.

The Bronze Eagles Flying Club of Texas (BEFC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of aviation. The Club has chapters in several cities in Texas; and it is an affiliate of the Black Pilots of America.

Our aim and purpose are:

• Training youth to participate and advance in various types of employment within the aviation field.
• To stimulate and encourage broader job opportunities for underprivileged youth in all phases of aviation.
• To encourage youth to enter the field of aviation and to remain in school by showing films and lecturing in schools on opportunities in the field of aviation.
• Organize and set up a school for such training.
• To develop scholarships for youth who will partake in such training and development.
• To acquire, own, hold, sell, lease, pledge, mortgage, or otherwise dispose of any property, real or personal, necessary to the operation of the Organization.

 

Fred Flickinger was sworn into office on January 2, 2024. He is serving his first term as the Houston City Council Member for District E and brings his skills and experience as both a business and community leader to create lasting change at City Hall.

Fred believes in focusing on the core responsibilities of city government by making public safety a top priority, enhancing flood mitigation, prioritizing infrastructure improvements, and restoring fiscal responsibility. Public safety is the foundation upon which all other aspects of our community are built. By working together to create a safe and secure District E, we can ensure that our neighborhoods thrive, and our families are able to live, work, and play without fear.

Fred is an owner of Flickinger Machine, a family business which has been in operation since 1978. Prior to managing the family business, he was an executive for a logistics corporation for 27 years. Fred’s business experience enables him to bring real work insights and solutions-oriented approaches to city council.

A strong believer in being civically engaged in his community, Fred recently served as President of the Lake Houston Pachyderm Club and spearheaded their voter education efforts. He currently serves on the Senate District 4 Advisory Board to be a proponent of grassroots initiatives. Fred is also a long-time volunteer and supporter of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program which connects business leaders with incarcerated individuals to instill business acumen and provide mentorship.

A proud Houstonian for over 50 years, Fred has been a part of District E since childhood. He grew up in the Sagemont area, lived in Clear Lake and now resides in Kingwood. Fred credits his involvement in the community and local politics for his belief in wanting to affect change. He is committed to prioritizing communication and transparency with all members of the district.