Bessie Coleman

Bessie Coleman

Bessie Coleman
1892-1926

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Snapshot

  • Bessie Coleman was an inspiration American aviator

  • First African American and Native American woman pilot

  • First African American to earn a pilot’s license

  • Went to France to earn her license

  • Also performed aerial stunts that earned her the nicknames “Brave Bessie” and “Queen Bess”

  • Bessie would only perform at venues that were desegregated and could enter through the same gates

  • Was in inspiration to many to strive, despite race and situation, to shoot for the sky.

  • Bessie’s picture was added to a stamp by the USPS in 1995

“Bessie Coleman continues to inspire untold thousands even millions of young persons with her sense of adventure, her positive attitude, and her determination to succeed.”

For more information: 

https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/bessie-coleman

https://www.biography.com/explorer/bessie-coleman

https://www.nationalaviation.org/our-enshrinees/coleman-bessie/

http://www.bessiecoleman.org/bio-bessie-coleman.php