FAQ About Bessie Coleman

Bessie Coleman was a pioneering aviator and the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license. Her accomplishments paved the way for women of color in the field of aviation.

Bessie Coleman received her pilot's license on June 15, 1921, from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in France.

Bessie Coleman went to France to learn how to fly because aviation schools in the United States were racially segregated and did not accept African American women.

Bessie Coleman broke racial and gender barriers in aviation, inspiring future generations of pilots, especially African Americans and women, to pursue careers in the field. She is remembered for her courage and pioneering spirit.

Bessie Coleman died on April 30, 1926, in a plane crash during a rehearsal for an aerial show in Jacksonville, Florida. She was thrown from the plane at a height of 500 feet, as she was not wearing a seatbelt.

Bessie Coleman faced numerous challenges, including racial and gender discrimination, lack of access to aviation education in the United States, and financial difficulties. Despite these obstacles, she persevered and succeeded.

Bessie Coleman's legacy is her role as a trailblazer in aviation who inspired many to challenge societal norms and pursue their dreams in aviation and beyond, regardless of race or gender.

Bessie Coleman primarily flew French Nieuport planes, as she was trained in France where these planes were common. They were biplanes used extensively during World War I.

Although Bessie Coleman dreamed of opening a flight school for African Americans, she was unable to realize this dream due to her untimely death. Nonetheless, her pioneering achievements inspired others to do so.

Posthumously, Bessie Coleman has been honored with a number of tributes, including the Bessie Coleman Award, Bessie Coleman Day, and several educational institutions and roads named after her.

Bessie Coleman was born in Atlanta, Texas, on January 26, 1892. She was the tenth of thirteen children in her family.

Bessie Coleman was motivated by a desire for adventure and to overcome the racial and gender barriers of her time. Her inspiration came from stories of World War I pilots and the burgeoning field of aviation.

To fund her flight training in France, Bessie Coleman worked as a manicurist and saved her earnings. She also received sponsorship and financial support from the African American press and community leaders who supported her cause.

Bessie Coleman was often nicknamed "Queen Bess" and "Brave Bessie" for her daring flying tricks and her trailblazing achievements as an aviator.

Today, Bessie Coleman is remembered as a pioneering figure in aviation history, celebrated for her courage and determination. Her life and legacy continue to inspire aviators and advocates of racial and gender equality.

Yes, there are several books about Bessie Coleman, such as "Queen Bess: Daredevil Aviator" by Doris L. Rich and children's books like "Fly High! The Story of Bessie Coleman" by Louise Borden and Mary Kay Kroeger.

Bessie Coleman's greatest achievement was becoming the first African American and Native American female pilot. This accomplishment broke racial and gender barriers and inspired many future aviators.

No, Bessie Coleman did not serve in the military. However, her flights and aerial shows were highly influenced by military aircraft techniques and World War I pilots.

Bessie Coleman never married nor had children. She was fully devoted to her career in aviation and her goal of promoting flying to African Americans.

Key events in Bessie Coleman's aviation career include earning her international pilot's license in 1921 and performing in numerous airshows. Her achievements in a male-dominated field during a racially segregated era are particularly noteworthy.