Bessie Coleman a Pioneer of Aviation

 

Bessie Coleman was an American aviation pioneer and one of the most remarkable women in history. Born in 1892 in Atlanta, Texas, she was the first African American woman to hold a pilot's license.  She overcame immense racial and gender barriers in her pursuit of a dream that seemed impossible at the time.

Coleman was the tenth of thirteen children born to sharecroppers, George and Susan Coleman.  Her family moved frequently in search of better opportunities, and eventually settled in Waxahachie, Texas. Coleman's childhood was marked by poverty and discrimination, and she had to drop out of school in the eighth grade to help her family with farm work.

Despite the obstacles, Coleman was determined to make something of herself.  She was inspired by stories of World War I pilots and decided that she too wanted to fly.  However, because of her race and gender, no flight school in the United States would accept her.  Coleman refused to give up on her dream and eventually traveled to France, where she received her pilot's license in 1921.

Coleman returned to the United States and became a popular stunt pilot, performing at air shows and festivals across the country.  She was known for her daredevil maneuvers, which included loops, spins, and other acrobatic feats.  Coleman was a trailblazer not only in aviation but also in her activism for civil rights.  She refused to perform at venues that were segregated and advocated for equal opportunities for women and people of color.

Coleman's life was cut tragically short when she died in a plane crash in 1926.  She was just 34 years old. Her death was a devastating blow to the aviation community, but her legacy lived on.  She inspired countless women and people of color to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face.

Here are some interesting facts about Bessie Coleman that you may not know:

Coleman had to learn French to attend flight school in France.

Because no flight school in the United States would accept her, Coleman traveled to France to attend flight school.  She had to learn French to communicate with her instructors and classmates.

She was the first American woman to hold an international pilot's license.

Coleman received her pilot's license from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, the governing body for aviation at the time.  She was the first American woman and the first woman of African American and Native American descent to hold an international pilot's license.

Coleman's dream of becoming a pilot was sparked by stories of World War I pilots.

Coleman's brothers, who had fought in World War I, would tell her stories about the pilots they met. Their stories sparked her fascination with aviation and led her to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot.

She refused to perform at venues that were segregated.

Coleman was a vocal advocate for civil rights and refused to perform at venues that were segregated. She insisted on equal treatment for herself and for all people of color.

Coleman's death led to the creation of the Bessie Coleman Aero Club.

After Coleman's death, a group of African American pilots formed the Bessie Coleman Aero Club in her honor.  The club provided opportunities for African American pilots and promoted aviation among people of color.

Bessie Coleman's life and accomplishments continue to inspire people today.  She overcame incredible obstacles to pursue her dream of flying, and in doing so, she paved the way for future generations of women and people of color.