There are certain milestones that are worth going all-out to celebrate – honoring the legacy of the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license is one of them.
In the early 1900s, Bessie Coleman was determined to become a pilot, even after American aviation schools denied her admission because of the color of her skin and her gender. Instead, she learned French, headed over to France, and became the first American to get an international pilot’s license in that country. But she didn’t stop there!
By passing this monumental milestone, Bessie started a ripple affect in the aviation industry. Thanks to her, more doors would open for young girls and women of color just like her, and her impact can still be seen 100 years later.
To celebrate a century passing since Bessie became the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license, American Airlines hosted a special event. They invited the late Bessie’s great niece, Gigi Coleman, for a flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Phoenix – but this wasn’t just any flight – it was one featuring an all-Black, female crew!
“I am grateful for American Airlines to give us this opportunity to highlight my great aunt’s accomplishments in the field of aviation,” Gigi said.
After the flight, the crew members visited the Bessie Coleman Foundation. Here, they spoke with students at The Academies at South Mountain about any and everything to do with having a career in aviation.
“Bessie Coleman was such an advocate,” Dr. Shelia L. Chamberlain, National Chair of the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars said. “And today we all are Bessie Coleman. Her dream has been fulfilled. From the bottom up, African American women are doing it in the field of aviation and aerospace.”
Wow, what a way to celebrate the life of a woman who has helped paved the way for so many others. We can only imagine how proud Bessie would be of all these talented, hard-working aviation experts coming together for such a monumental flight.
Watch the tribute video American Airlines made for Bessie in the video below, and don’t forget to share.
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