A Hopeful Flight: New York Yankees Partner with NYMBPA to Inspire the Next Generation of Aviators
June 20, 2025 – Queens, New York — On the final day of their annual #HOPEWeek initiative, the New York Yankees shifted the spotlight from the baseball diamond to the skies, honoring a trailblazer whose mission transcends sports. The team recognized Brian Worthington, founder of the NY Metro Black Pilots of America (NYMBPA), for his life-changing work introducing underserved and underrepresented communities to the world of aviation.
Born and raised in a housing project in Queens near LaGuardia Airport, Worthington’s dream of becoming a pilot once seemed impossible. Faced with limited resources, systemic barriers, and few mentors, he carved his own path—eventually founding NYMBPA to ensure that future generations would not have to navigate the same obstacles alone.
Now, the organization he built has taken flight in more ways than one.
The Power of Representation
Worthington’s work is about more than flying—it’s about equity, access, and belief. At NYMBPA, students of color are introduced to aviation through real-life experiences, mentorship, and even pilot training in small aircraft. What makes this program even more powerful is that much of it is self-funded by the pilots themselves, who donate time, fuel, and equipment to serve as both instructors and role models.
In just one year, the NYMBPA has reached over 300 young people, planting seeds of confidence, curiosity, and career ambition. These aren’t just lessons in aerodynamics—they’re life lessons about breaking barriers and refusing to be grounded by circumstance.
Yankees Step In With Lift-Off Support
To honor Worthington and amplify NYMBPA’s mission, the Yankees brought their full support. Players including Trent Grisham, Jasson Domínguez, Oswald Peraza, Verry de los Santos, JT Brubaker, and coaches Matt Blake and Travis Chapman joined the day’s events, which took place at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, one of the premier aviation schools in the country.
Accompanying them was comedian and actor Roy Wood Jr., adding a burst of humor and humility to an already uplifting day.
The highlight of the afternoon came when the New York Yankees Foundation presented a $10,000 donation check to Worthington and NYMBPA—funds that will directly support student training, simulation hours, and aviation programming.
A Day in the Skies
Students and volunteers were treated to an immersive experience. After a tour of the hangar, participants learned the basics of flight using Redbird Flight Simulators, engaging with cutting-edge technology that replicates real-life cockpit environments. For many, it was their first time behind the controls—even in a simulated setting—and the excitement in the room was electric.
Watching the reactions of the students—wide-eyed, focused, and smiling—was a clear reminder of how a single opportunity can spark a lifetime of dreams. For a child growing up in a neighborhood like Worthington’s, a moment like this is not only inspirational; it’s transformative.
Why This Matters
#HOPEWeek has always been about more than charity—it’s about connection, compassion, and community. By elevating individuals like Brian Worthington, the Yankees aren’t just telling stories; they’re helping to rewrite narratives.
In a world where people of color make up a small fraction of licensed pilots in the U.S., NYMBPA’s work addresses a real and pressing gap. It also directly challenges the idea that aviation is only accessible to those with wealth or privilege. Instead, NYMBPA is building a pipeline of future Black aviators, trained not only to fly, but to lead.
And the Yankees are helping give them the wind beneath their wings.
Brian Worthington: “From Dream to Reality”
Standing alongside Yankees players and students while holding the ceremonial check, Worthington shared:
“I never imagined my story would take me from a housing project to here—standing with one of the most iconic teams in sports, helping kids believe that the sky isn’t the limit. It’s just the beginning.”
His words resonated throughout the room, drawing cheers, tears, and thunderous applause.
More Than Baseball
The Yankees’ involvement in #HOPEWeek continues to demonstrate that the impact of a sports team can reach far beyond wins and losses. By showing up for communities, investing in dreams, and championing voices like Worthington’s, the organization proves that hope is not just a word—it’s an action.
For the kids who held a yoke for the first time, for the families watching with pride, and for the pilots who give of themselves to mentor the next generation, this day at Vaughn College will be remembered as a milestone—not just in baseball or aviation, but in human connection.
Conclusion: When Teams and Communities Fly Together
As the sun set on the final day of #HOPEWeek, it was clear: something special had taken off. Through NYMBPA and the vision of Brian Worthington, and with the powerful support of the New York Yankees, dozens of young lives were changed—and maybe, just maybe, the world of aviation grew a little more inclusive.
Because when you combine passion, purpose, and a little bit of lift, there’s no telling how far you can go