Bessie Coleman

aviation · pioneers · breaking barriers · 1920s

Sky-breaking pilot. Bessie Coleman was the first African-American woman and first Native American to earn an official pilot's license. She accomplished this incredible feat on June 15, 1921, when very few people of any background were flying planes.

International trailblazer. She earned her license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, which is the international aviation organization that recognizes pilots around the world. This made her the earliest known Black person to hold an international pilot's license.

Double heritage. Bessie Coleman was both African-American and Native American, making her accomplishments even more remarkable during a time when people from her backgrounds faced tremendous discrimination.

Persistent dreamer. Getting a pilot's license was incredibly difficult for Bessie because many flight schools refused to teach her due to her race and gender. She had to work harder than almost anyone else to achieve her dream.