#frank mann

More Hidden Figures In American History: Frank Mann

He’s been ignored and cast aside much like new home hunters touring a property covered in wallpaper. Scholars have left him out of the history books and Hollywood couldn’t be bothered to acknowledge his existence either.

He was Howard Hughes’ top engineer and lifelong best friend. This is about Frank Mann, the hidden genius behind much of Howard Hughes’ success in the world of aviation and mechanics. Also, he was Black.

The story of Frank Mann is largely one that owes it to the world to be told and not discounted. Imagine a man so curiously intelligent that he carried the titles of Aerospace Engineer, Award-Winning Sports Car Designer, Civilian Instructor at the Tuskegee Institute, World War II Officer and pilot, the first Black commercial airline pilot and the number one engineer for Howard Hughes. Atop of that, his comedic wit and eccentric demeanor/charm naturally attracted people to him. Similar to Howard Hughes in many of their peculiarities and passion for aircraft, this only serves to confirm the classic saying, “birds of a feather flock together.”

Being a Black man in early 1900’s Texas was already a mold that would be difficult enough to overcome. The adolescent struggles would be inevitable for him to accept and fight through. Even in college, despite Frank knowing that his work was superior to the other students, his professor once gave him a “B” rather than an “A”. After mentioning it, his professor said, “Frank, the reason I am twice as stringent on grading you as the others is that you are Black and you will have to be twice as good at what you do in order for you to compete and succeed in life.”

Yet, Howard believed in Frank more than any of his White engineers. Mr. Hughes knew that Frank was naturally gifted in mechanics to a higher degree than most, therefore he stood by his side through thick and thin. Even when the White engineers refused to work with him because of the color of his skin, Howard would correct them and make certain that they referred to his friend as “mister” or “sir” and not by any derogatory terms. Not only did the White engineers feel inadequate in comparison to Frank’s ability, but an overall sense of jealousy was prominent in the air as well, seeing that Howard always took a distinct liking to Frank. For the rest of his life, he would trust Frank to troubleshoot his aviation and mechanical issues.

Later in life, Frank would meet a young man named Paul Bryer, whom he mentored and took under his wing. Stories and wisdom would be shared with Paul, all the while attending clubs and parties together on the occasion. It was almost as if Paul kept Frank youthful to an extent and Frank kept Paul full of life. Though generations apart in age, they became good friends, spending a decent amount of time in one another’s company. Paul knew that his friend Frank was a special individual and made it one of his life’s duties to tell Frank’s story, with his permission.

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