Bessie Coleman 1892–1926
First African American Female Pilot
Bessie Coleman was always a determined person. As a child in Texas, she picked cotton and did laundry to help her family. She missed many days of school because she needed to earn money. Still, Coleman was determined to graduate from high school. She read and learned enough on her own to receive her diploma.
Like many people in the early 1900s, Coleman was fascinated by airplanes. She started reading about aviation. Her brother, who had served in the military during World War I, told her that in France women flew planes. Coleman decided that she wanted to fly. She was living and working in Chicago. She saved her money and studied French at night. In 1920, she moved to France and started flight school. In 1921, Bessie Coleman became the first licensed African American female pilot in the world.
Coleman was killed in a flying accident five years later. During her short career, she flew hundreds of flights. She encouraged African Americans and women to learn to fly. She was a true pioneer, helping to open up the field of flying to women and African Americans.
Critical Thinking
What actions showed that Bessie Coleman was a determined person?