Bessie Coleman

Bessie Coleman was an American aviator and a true pioneer. She was born in Atlanta, Texas, in 1892. She became the first African American and Native American woman to hold a pilot's license. She inspired many people to follow their dreams.

Early Life

Coleman grew up in a poor family in Texas. She picked cotton and did laundry to earn money. She moved to Chicago and worked as a manicurist. She became fascinated with flying after hearing stories from World War I pilots.

Big Achievements

No flight school in America would accept Coleman because of her race and gender. She learned French and traveled to France to earn her pilot's license in 1921. She became a stunt pilot and performed in air shows. She dreamed of opening a flight school for African Americans.

Fun Facts

• Coleman learned to fly in a plane made of bamboo, wire, and cloth.
• She refused to perform at air shows that did not allow Black people to attend.
• She was known as Brave Bessie and Queen Bess.

Did You Know?

Coleman died in a plane accident in 1926 at age 34. She never got to open her flight school, but she inspired many African American pilots. In 1995, the U.S. Postal Service issued a stamp in her honor.