Bessie Coleman the first African American, and the first Native American woman pilot
Updated: 4 days ago
In the relatively short time humans have been flying, the illustrious name of Bessie Coleman looms large, her legacy a testament to determination and audacity amidst a backdrop of societal barriers. Born on January 26, 1892, in Atlanta, Texas, Coleman's trajectory from humble beginnings to soaring heights is as inspiring as it is emblematic of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Coleman took to the sky as the first African American, and the first Native American woman pilot. Known for performing flying tricks, Coleman’s nicknames were; “Brave Bessie,” “Queen Bess,” and “The Only Race Aviatrix in the World.” Her goal was to encourage women and African Americans to reach their dreams. Unfortunately, her career ended with a tragic plane crash, but her life continues to inspire people around the world.
One of twelve brothers and sisters, Coleman's mother was an African American maid, and her father George Coleman was a Native American sharecropper. In 1901, her father made the decision to relocate to Oklahoma in an attempt to evade the pervasive discrimination of the era. However, Bessie's mother chose not to accompany him. Consequently, the remainder of the family remained in Waxahachie, Texas. Throughout her formative years, Bessie assisted her mother in endeavours such as cotton picking and laundry washing to supplement the family's income. By the time she reached eighteen years of age, she had amassed sufficient funds to enroll at the Coloured Agricultural and Normal University (now Langston University) in Langston, Oklahoma. Regrettably, financial constraints compelled her to abandon her collegiate pursuits after a solitary semester.
At the age of 23, Coleman relocated to Chicago to reside with her brothers. In 1915, she enrolled at the Burnham School of Beauty Culture, embarking on a career as a manicurist at a local barbershop. Meanwhile, her siblings served in the armed forces during World War I, regaling her with tales of their experiences in France. It was during this time that her brother John, perhaps inadvertently, ignited a spark within her by recounting how French women were permitted to pursue aviation, a privilege denied to her due to her race and gender.
This revelation ignited a fervent desire within Coleman to take to the skies herself. Undeterred by the barriers before her, she diligently applied to numerous flight schools across the nation. Yet, her aspirations were repeatedly thwarted as none were willing to admit an African-American woman into their ranks. It was the esteemed African American newspaper publisher, Robert Abbott, who offered her a glimmer of hope. Encouraging her to journey to France where such prejudices were less entrenched, Abbott provided the impetus for Coleman to embark on a new chapter in pursuit of her dreams.
In preparation for her venture, Coleman commenced evening classes in French, recognising the necessity of fluency in her pursuit of aviation education abroad. This diligent preparation underscored her unwavering determination to defy the odds and grasp the opportunity that lay beyond the confines of her homeland.
After persevering through numerous setbacks, Coleman's tenacity was rewarded when she secured admission to the prestigious Caudron Brothers' School of Aviation in Le Crotoy, France. It was here, under the tutelage of seasoned aviators, that she realized her lifelong ambition, obtaining her international pilot's license on June 15, 1921, courtesy of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.
Fuelled by an unyielding determination, Coleman harboured ambitions beyond mere personal achievement; her vision encompassed the ownership of an aircraft and the establishment of her own aviation school. To finance these aspirations, she embarked on a rigorous schedule of public speaking engagements and film screenings, showcasing her aerial prowess in churches, theatres, and educational institutions.
In 1922, Coleman made history once again, executing the inaugural public flight by an African American woman. Renowned for her daring aerobatics, including captivating "loop-the-loops" and precise "figure-eight" manoeuvres, she enraptured audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. Her captivating performances propelled her to newfound fame, solidifying her status as a luminary in the realms of aviation and entertainment.
Embracing her role as a trailblazer, Coleman embarked on a nationwide tour, imparting flight instruction, staging aerial exhibitions, and advocating tirelessly for the inclusion of African Americans and women in the realm of aviation. Through her pioneering endeavours, she inspired countless individuals to reach for the skies, transcending barriers of race and gender with each soaring ascent.
Merely two years into her burgeoning flight career, Coleman encountered her serious accident. In February of 1923, her aircraft's engine abruptly stopped, causing her to crash. Sustaining grievous injuries, she endured a fractured leg, several cracked ribs, and lacerations to her face. Despite the severity of her afflictions, Coleman exhibited remarkable resilience, convalescing fully from her wounds. Undeterred by the spectre of adversity, she resumed her aerial exploits with characteristic fortitude by 1925.
Through unwavering diligence, Coleman amassed the requisite funds to procure her own aircraft, a Jenny – JN-4 equipped with an OX-5 engine. Promptly thereafter, she returned to her native Texas, intent on staging a grand spectacle for her compatriots. Yet, the looming specter of segregation threatened to mar the occasion, as organisers contemplated segregated entrances for attendees based on race.
Undaunted by the prospect of compromise, Coleman steadfastly refused to entertain such discrimination, insisting upon a single stand for all spectators. Following protracted negotiations, the organisers acceded to her principled stance, albeit retaining segregated seating within the stadium. Underscoring her unwavering commitment to equality, Coleman performed with aplomb, earning widespread acclaim for her unwavering defence of her principles.
On the fateful day of April 30, 1926, Bessie Coleman embarked on a test flight accompanied by mechanic William Wills. Assuming the role of pilot, Wills guided the aircraft while Coleman occupied the passenger seat. Ascending to an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet, tragedy struck as a loose wrench became ensnared within the engine, precipitating a catastrophic loss of control. With the aircraft careening out of command, Coleman, regrettably, found herself unsecured by a seatbelt within the exposed confines of the aircraft. The absence of any protective canopy rendered her vulnerable, and she tragically plummeted from the open plane to her untimely demise. Simultaneously, Wills, grappling with the uncontrollable aircraft, succumbed to the same fate, crashing a mere distance from Coleman's lifeless form.
The loss of Coleman reverberated deeply, evoking profound sorrow among multitudes of people. Noted activist Ida B. Wells-Barnett presided over Coleman's funeral service in Chicago, paying homage to her enduring legacy. In 1931, the Challenger Pilots' Association of Chicago inaugurated an annual tradition, flying over Coleman's gravesite in solemn tribute. By 1977, African American women pilots united to establish the Bessie Coleman Aviators Club, perpetuating her memory and inspiring future generations. In 1992, NASA astronaut, Dr. Mae Jemison, who carried Bessie Coleman’s picture with her on her first mission in the Space Shuttle when she became the first African American woman in space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor.
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