Bessie Coleman (1892–1926) was a pioneering aviator and the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license. Because of racial and gender discrimination in the U.S., she had to go to France to earn her license in 1921 from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.
Nicknamed “Queen Bess”, she became famous for her daring stunt flying and aerial performances. She dreamed of opening a flight school for Black pilots, inspiring many despite the racial barriers of her time. Tragically, she died in a plane accident in 1926, but her legacy continues to inspire future generations in aviation and beyond.
