I first posted Bessie Coleman's remarkable story during Black History month, 2012.
We all know about the Tuskeegee airmen and their amazing record of service during World War II, but did you know that the world's first black aviator was a woman? Her name was Bessie Coleman 1892-1926. Bessie grew up in Texas, one of thirteen children to a Native American father and an African American mother. She was a highly motivated young woman, who, when she decided she wanted to fly, found that all aviation schools in the U.S. were closed to her because of her race, gender, or both.
On the advice of Chicago Defender publisher Robert Abbott, Bessie Coleman went to Europe, where she was trained by both French and German aviators. She earned her pilot's license in 1921 and got her international pilot's license a year later. After she returned to the United States, she became an exhibition pilot. She was an inspiration to countless young people in her career as a barnstormer and speaker on aviation. She appeared in air shows across the country and became known as Brave Bessie.
Bessie wanted to open an aviation school for black youth, but before she could reach her goal, she was killed in an accident in Jacksonville, Florida. The controls of her airplane jammed and she was thrown from the cockpit as the plane spun to the ground. It's estimated that 10,000 people attended her memorial service in Chicago. Bessie Coleman's career may have been brief, but she was an inspiration to many in the early days of aviation.
thanks for sharing, I have not heard of her.. I am so glad our world has changed for the better on this subject, even though we are far from perfect
ReplyDeleteShe was beyond brave. With more obstacles than one could imagine, she pursued her dream and succeeded.
ReplyDeleteHi Inger - I didn't read your previous post ... so guess something was going on here ... but what an amazingly determined lady - and so sad she wasn't able to fulfil her goals ... she must have been an inspiration for so many - with that huge turnout ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI don't recall if I ever heard anything about her. She should be more famous - that was quite an accomplishment with all those 'strikes' against her!
ReplyDeleteWow she was amazing. A woman to be proud of for sure. Hug B
ReplyDeleteWow!!! Everything that could be thrown at her didn't stop her at all. What an inspirational story . . . why do we all not know of her? Thanks you for opening my mind and giving me this new knowledge. Not to get political, but some of the occurrences that happen at the Women's March, made me ashamed that they had the nerve to act in those ways and label it with women . . . Positive women like Bessie that take charge of their lives without being hateful and self important, are women that I would rather be associated with.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a lovely day.
Connie :)
I'm doing a post on women people should have heard of in March. I will include a link to this post!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Fran.
DeleteI so admire people who don't rely on "easy" to attain their goals. What a woman.
ReplyDeleteWhat a brave woman! She found a way to achieve her goals.
ReplyDeleteThese are the stories our young people need to learn about. How sad that she died at such an early age. Sweet hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteI never heard of Brave Bessie. She certainly was brave and remarkable. Thanks for sharing this great story.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Julia
I have not heard of her- but not surprised that we don't know about her. What an inspirational woman.
ReplyDeleteShe's new to me, but bravo for her refusing to take NO for an answer. Western Europeans seem to be smarter and less restrictive in their male-female treatment. She's what I call a strong woman! Thanks, Inger for letting us know about these barrier breakers - they are inspiring!
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