Bessie Coleman: a Great American Woman

by Abigail Knowles Wolfe (BPRW)

This Woman’s History Month we honor women of class and distinction; women who, despite the terrible odds against them, overcame adversity to make the impossible a reality. In the still male-dominated world of flight and aviation it is vital that we look back in history to discuss the premier African American woman of flight. Bessie Coleman was born in a small town in northeastern Texas in 1892, the 10th of 13 children. She would ultimately become the world’s first licensed black pilot.

Two of Bessie’s brothers returned from France after serving in WWI, describing the astounding careers French women were able to have as pilots and professionals. With a strong drive and desire to make something of her life, Bessie sought funding and the appropriate visas to travel to Somme, France and attend the Ecole d’Aviation des Freres Caudron at Le Crotoy.

According to biographical information provided by a website created in her honor www.bessiecoleman.com, Coleman was able to complete a 10 month flight course in a matter of only seven months. Bessie’s pilot’s license did not mention that she was the first black woman to ever earn a license from the esteemed aviation school nor did it mention that she was the only woman period of the 62 candidate in her class to earn a pilot’s license at that time.

Bessie Coleman spent the majority of her flight career performing stunts for crowds with the goal of raising enough funds to start her own flight school for African Americans. It is noteworthy that Bessie refused to perform at any racially segregated events insisting that all audience members enter through the same gates. Although she died in her early 30s after falling from the cockpit of her own plane during a practice run, her legacy lives on. Bessie Coleman paved the way for many great African American aviators to follow and for women of all ethnicities. She is truly one to commemorate and honor this Women’s History Month.