For Black History Month – How about an aviation pioneer?
How about a noted Black female aviator, Bessie Coleman?
Coleman wanted to become a pilot, and her desires were not going to be thwarted by prejudice in the United States where aviation schools refused to admit her.
So, Coleman learned French and got her flight training overseas in France. She was assisted in this effort by two Black philanthropists, Robert Abbot, publisher of the most important newspaper in the early 20th Century and Jesse Binga, a banker.
After completing her training, Coleman became the first American woman to obtain an international pilot’s license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.
Never the less, upon her return to the United States, prejudice prevented Coleman from becoming a commercial pilot. Instead, she was forced into the more dangerous world of stunt flying. Coleman was the first African American woman to conduct a public flight in the United States, doing so on Labor Day, September 3, 1922.
Like many brave aviators of her era, Coleman sadly died young on April 30, 1926 in an aircraft accident where she was actually a passenger. At the time of her death, she was collecting money to found a school to train Black pilots. Aside from flying, Coleman had been an active speaker at schools and churches, encouraging Blacks to get interested in aviation and standing strong against segregation.
Coleman’s story is an inspiring example of a Black citizen overcoming serious adversity to thrive regardless. Writing of Coleman in the FAA’s “Cleared for Takeoff,” LaTasha Tucker sums up 5 lessons drawn from Coleman’s life:
1. Bloom where you’re planted — even when the soil appears unpromising.
2. Let your desires and dreams carry you toward your destiny.
3. Recognize the power of persistence.
4. Define yourself; disregard the haters.
5. Maximize the moment, because your influence extends beyond your lifetime.
Content derived from multiple online searches.
Source of photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BW0007.jpg
