The Bold Pilot Who Gave Women Wings

Bessie Coleman was a pioneer in the field of aviation. She was the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot's license. Born into poverty in Texas in 1892, Coleman faced discrimination and prejudice from all sides. But she refused to let anything stand in her way of achieving her dream of flying.

With the help of a wealthy white woman who believed in her, Coleman traveled to France in 1920 and became the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license. She returned to the United States and became a barnstorming aviator, thrilling audiences with her aerial stunts. Coleman's story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever dreamed of overcoming obstacles and achieving their goals.

Bessie Coleman: Bold Pilot Who Gave Women Wings (Movers, Shakers, and History Makers)

by Sean Jensen

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3892 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	49 pages

FREE

Childhood and Early Life

Bessie Coleman was born on January 26, 1892, in Atlanta, Texas. Her parents were sharecroppers, and she was the tenth of thirteen children. Coleman's family was very poor, and she had to work hard from a young age to help support her family. She began working in the fields at the age of six, and she also helped her mother with the housework.

Despite her difficult circumstances, Coleman was a bright and ambitious child. She loved to read and learn, and she dreamed of one day becoming a teacher. However, Coleman's dreams were cut short when she was forced to drop out of school at the age of twelve to help support her family.

Dream of Flying

Even though she had to leave school, Coleman never gave up on her dream of learning. She continued to read and study on her own, and she also began to take flying lessons. In 1920, Coleman traveled to France to attend flight school. She was the first African American woman to ever attend flight school, and she faced many challenges. She was often discriminated against by her fellow students and instructors, but she refused to give up.

In 1921, Coleman became the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license. She returned to the United States and became a barnstorming aviator. She performed aerial stunts and gave speeches about the importance of aviation. Coleman's work helped to break down barriers for women and African Americans in aviation.

Death and Legacy

Coleman died in a plane crash in 1926. She was only 34 years old. However, her legacy lives on. She is remembered as a pioneer in the field of aviation, and she is an inspiration to anyone who dreams of overcoming obstacles and achieving their goals.

Coleman's story is a reminder that anything is possible if you have the courage to follow your dreams. She faced discrimination and prejudice from all sides, but she never gave up on her dream of flying. Coleman's story is an inspiration to us all to never give up on our dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem.

Bessie Coleman was a pioneer in the field of aviation. She was the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot's license. Coleman faced discrimination and prejudice from all sides, but she never gave up on her dream of flying. She became a barnstorming aviator and thrilled audiences with her aerial stunts. Coleman's story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever dreamed of overcoming obstacles and achieving their goals.

Bessie Coleman: Bold Pilot Who Gave Women Wings (Movers, Shakers, and History Makers)

by Sean Jensen

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3892 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	49 pages

FREE