Bessie Coleman: Flew high above barriers as the first licensed Black Pilot

Although Coleman was not recognized as an aviation pioneer prior to her death, she absolutely was. Coleman was the first licensed Black pilot in the world. She attended flight school in France in 1919. Though history books may have favored Amelia Earhart and the Wright brothers, Coleman paved the way for a new generation of diverse fliers like the Tuskegee airmen, Blackbirds, and Flying Hobos.

Quick Facts:

Born: January 26, 1892, Atlanta, TX

Died: April 30, 1926, Jacksonville, FL

Siblings: Elois Coleman Patterson, Georgia Coleman, Isaiah Coleman, Nilus Coleman, Walter Coleman, John Coleman

Education: Langston University (1910–1911)

Full name: Elizabeth Coleman

Parents: Susan Coleman, George Coleman

Nationality: American