Bessie Coleman (1896–1926) was an African American aviator, barnstormer, parachutist, and activist. As a symbol of empowerment and determination, she is the first African American woman to obtain a pilot’s license, breaking through the barriers of racial and gender discrimination that pervaded her time.
Born into a family of sharecroppers in Atlanta, Texas, Coleman experienced the challenges of racial segregation and poverty throughout her upbringing. Denied entry to aviation schools in America due to race and gender, she traveled to France in 1920 to earn her pilot’s license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.
Coleman became a celebrated and courageous pilot when she returned to the United States. She captivated audiences with her daring aerial acrobatics and became renowned for her airshow performances. By defying societal expectations, she inspired countless African Americans, encouraging them to pursue their passions despite the daunting challenges they encountered.
Coleman used her platform to advocate for racial equality and encourage young African Americans to pursue careers in aviation. She aspired to open a flight school for African Americans, but her life was cut short in a devastating plane crash during a rehearsal for an aerial show. The aircraft she was piloting spiraled out of control, leading to a fatal fall from 2,000 feet.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Bessie Coleman
The air is the only place free from prejudices.
—Bessie Coleman
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