Bessie Coleman
The First Female African American Pilot
Bessie Coleman, a beautiful “fly” brown-skinned woman earned her pilot’s license in 1921 in France, two years before her more famous contemporary, Amelia Earhart. Denied admission to American aviation schools because of her race and gender, she learned French and went to France. On June 15, 1921 she received her pilot’s license from the highly respected Federation Aeronautique International, becoming the first American to earn this international pilot’s license in France.
Bessie Coleman was a bold dreamer and fearless risk-taker who refused to let societal barriers hold her back. From a young age, she was captivated by the thrill of adventure and the boundless possibilities of flight. Despite facing both racial and gender discrimination, she pursued her passion relentlessly.
Bessie Coleman’s Legacy Continues to Soar
Bessie Coleman — 2026 Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame
More than 100 years after Bessie Coleman broke barriers to become the first African American woman and first self-identified Native American woman to earn an international pilot’s license, her pioneering achievements continue to receive recognition.
In 2026, Bessie Coleman was selected for induction into the Illinois Aviation Hall of Fame, honoring her extraordinary contributions to aviation and her enduring influence on generations of pilots.
Illinois—and especially Chicago—played an important role in Coleman’s journey. It was in Chicago that she pursued her dream of becoming an aviator after American flight schools refused to train her. Determined to fly, she learned French, traveled to France, and earned her international pilot’s license in 1921.
Her story remains a powerful example of courage, determination, and the refusal to accept limits.
Bessie Coleman’s Story Reimagined for a New Generation
A Pair of Wings by Carole Hopson is a historical novel inspired by the remarkable life of Bessie Coleman. The book brings readers into Bessie’s world—her determination to fly, the barriers she faced, and the extraordinary journey that took her from Texas to Chicago and ultimately to France to earn her pilot’s license.
Carole Hopson brings a special perspective to Bessie’s story. She is an airline pilot as well as an author, connecting the experiences of an aviation pioneer from the 1920s with the continuing journey of women in aviation today. Like Bessie – Carole’s courage continues to inspire new generations to dream, fly, and Keep Looking Up!
Learn More About A Pair of Wings
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250351128/apairofwings/
Meet Carole Hopson
https://carolehopson.com/
New Book: Queen of the Skies
Inspiring Story of Bessie Coleman
Before our beloved aviators, like Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh, Bessie Coleman was the first African American and Native American woman to receive her pilot’s license. Queen of the Skies is an intimate portrait of Bessie Coleman, told in collaboration with the family from their perspective. From her humble upbringing picking cotton in Waxahachie, Texas at the turn of the century, Bessie never gave up on her aviation dreams, despite all the odds against her.
Advancing Aviation By Archiving Your Aviation Story
365 Days of Aviation Book
Taste Of Aviation is elated to offer our upcoming book and eBook – “365 Days of Aviation” to those who are like us – THOSE WHO LOVE AVIATION! We invite you to add your love of aviation to this full-color, one-of-a-kind compilation of daily invigorating narratives.
Bessie Coleman One Woman Show
Gigi Coleman, great niece of Bessie Coleman, is passionate in her endeavors to inform the world about Bessie’s achievements in the field of aviation.
