45 Facts About Bessie Coleman

Early Life and Background

Bessie Coleman, a pioneering aviator, broke barriers in the early 20th century. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated pilot is filled with fascinating details.

1. Born on January 26, 1892, in Atlanta, Texas, Bessie was the tenth of thirteen children.
2. Her parents were sharecroppers, and her father was part Cherokee.
3. At age six, Bessie began attending a one-room schoolhouse, walking four miles each day.
4. She excelled in math and reading despite limited resources.
5. Her father left the family when she was nine, moving to Oklahoma in search of better opportunities.

Education and Early Career

Bessie's determination to succeed led her to pursue education and work opportunities that would eventually pave the way for her aviation career.

6. She attended the Missionary Baptist Church School on a scholarship.
7. In 1910, she enrolled at the Oklahoma Colored Agricultural and Normal University (now Langston University) but had to drop out due to financial constraints.
8. Moving to Chicago in 1915, Bessie lived with her brothers and worked as a manicurist.
9. Her brothers, who had served in World War I, told her about female pilots in France, sparking her interest in aviation.

Journey to Becoming a Pilot

Bessie's path to becoming a pilot was filled with obstacles, but her persistence and passion helped her overcome them.

10. No flight schools in the United States would accept her because she was Black and a woman.
11. With the encouragement of Robert S. Abbott, founder of the Chicago Defender, she decided to go to France to learn to fly.
12. She learned French at the Berlitz Language School in Chicago to prepare for her trip.
13. In 1920, she sailed to France and enrolled in the Caudron Brothers' School of Aviation in Le Crotoy.
14. On June 15, 1921, Bessie earned her pilot's license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, becoming the first African American woman to do so.

Career and Achievements

Bessie's achievements in aviation were groundbreaking and inspired many future generations of pilots.

15. She returned to the United States in September 1921 and was celebrated as a hero.
16. Bessie performed her first air show in 1922 at an event honoring veterans of the all-Black 369th Infantry Regiment.
17. She became known for her daring stunts, including figure eights, loops, and barrel rolls.
18. Bessie was often referred to as "Queen Bess" and "Brave Bessie."
19. She dreamed of opening a flight school for African Americans.
20. In 1923, she survived a plane crash that left her with a broken leg and several broken ribs.

Legacy and Impact

Bessie's legacy continues to inspire and influence the world of aviation and beyond.

21. She never realized her dream of opening a flight school, but her efforts paved the way for future Black pilots.
22. Bessie refused to perform at events that did not allow Black spectators.
23. She was a role model for future generations, including the Tuskegee Airmen.
24. Bessie Coleman Aero Club was founded in 1929 by William J. Powell to honor her legacy.
25. In 1995, the U.S. Postal Service issued a Bessie Coleman stamp.
26. Streets, schools, and libraries across the United States have been named in her honor.

Tragic End and Memorials

Bessie's life was tragically cut short, but her memory lives on through various memorials and honors.

27. On April 30, 1926, Bessie died in a plane crash during a rehearsal for an aerial show in Jacksonville, Florida.
28. Her mechanic and publicity agent, William Wills, was piloting the plane when it went into a dive and flipped.
29. Bessie was thrown from the plane at 2,000 feet and died instantly.
30. Thousands attended her funeral in Chicago, including many prominent figures in the Black community.
31. Her grave is located in Lincoln Cemetery in Chicago.

Honors and Recognitions

Bessie's contributions to aviation have been recognized in numerous ways over the years.

32. In 1931, the Challenger Pilots' Association of Chicago began an annual flyover of her grave.
33. In 1977, a group of African American women pilots established the Bessie Coleman Aviators Club.
34. In 1992, the Bessie Coleman Commemorative was held in Chicago to mark the 100th anniversary of her birth.
35. The Bessie Coleman Scholarship Award is given annually to outstanding female aviators.
36. In 2006, a bronze plaque was placed at her birthplace in Atlanta, Texas.
37. The International Forest of Friendship in Atchison, Kansas, includes a tree planted in her honor.

Cultural Impact

Bessie's story has permeated popular culture, inspiring books, films, and other media.

38. Several biographies have been written about her, including "Queen Bess: Daredevil Aviator" by Doris L. Rich.
39. Her life was the subject of the 2015 documentary "The Legend: The Bessie Coleman Story."
40. Bessie has been featured in children's books, such as "Fly High! The Story of Bessie Coleman" by Louise Borden and Mary Kay Kroeger.
41. In 2021, Google honored her with a Doodle on what would have been her 129th birthday.
42. The Bessie Coleman Story has been adapted into plays and musicals, celebrating her achievements and legacy.

Continuing Influence

Bessie's influence continues to be felt in the aviation community and beyond.

43. The Bessie Coleman Aerospace Legacy, Inc. works to preserve her memory and inspire future generations.
44. Her story is included in aviation history curricula and exhibits at museums worldwide.
45. Bessie Coleman's determination and courage continue to inspire people to break barriers and pursue their dreams.

Celebrating Bessie Coleman's Legacy

Bessie Coleman's story is one of courage, determination, and trailblazing achievements. She broke barriers in aviation, becoming the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot's license. Her fearless spirit and unwavering commitment to her dreams continue to inspire generations. Bessie didn't just fly; she soared above societal limitations, proving that the sky isn't the limit—it's just the beginning.

Her legacy lives on through numerous honors, including schools named after her, a U.S. postage stamp, and even a day dedicated to her memory. Bessie's life reminds us that with passion and perseverance, we can overcome any obstacle. As we remember her incredible journey, let's strive to break our own barriers and reach for the stars, just like Bessie did.