# Bessie Coleman

> American aviator (1892–1926)

**Wikidata**: [Q254376](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q254376)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bessie_Coleman)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bessie-coleman

## Summary
Bessie Coleman was an American aviator (1892–1926) who became the first African American to earn a pilot's license, breaking racial barriers in aviation. Her groundbreaking achievements paved the way for future Black pilots and demonstrated the potential of women in aviation.

## Biography
- Born: January 26, 1892, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Attended Langston University (1897) and studied at the University of Redlands (1910–1911)
- Known for: Becoming the first African American to earn a pilot's license and a certified aviator
- Employer(s): Langston University, aviation schools in France
- Field(s): Aviation, aeronautics

## Contributions
- Earned a pilot's license in 1921, making her the first African American to achieve this milestone.
- Became the first Black woman to receive a pilot's license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) in 1922.
- Performed aerial displays and exhibitions across the United States and Europe, showcasing her skills and inspiring others.
- Advocated for racial and gender equality in aviation, challenging societal norms of the time.

## FAQs
**What was Bessie Coleman's most significant achievement?**
Bessie Coleman became the first African American to earn a pilot's license and the first Black woman to receive a pilot's license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) in 1922. Her achievements broke racial barriers in aviation and inspired future generations of pilots.

**Where did Bessie Coleman study aviation?**
Bessie Coleman studied at the University of Redlands in California (1910–1911) and later trained in France, where she earned her pilot's license. She also attended Langston University in Oklahoma.

**How did Bessie Coleman influence future aviators?**
Bessie Coleman's groundbreaking achievements paved the way for Black and female pilots, demonstrating that racial and gender barriers could be overcome in aviation. Her legacy continues to inspire diversity in the field.

**What awards did Bessie Coleman receive?**
Bessie Coleman was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, the National Women's Hall of Fame, and the Women in Aviation International Hall of Fame. These honors recognize her pioneering contributions to aviation.

## Why They Matter
Bessie Coleman's work shattered racial and gender barriers in aviation, proving that Black women could excel in a field dominated by white men. Her achievements inspired future generations of aviators, including other Black pilots and women in the industry. Without her, the path to aviation for marginalized groups would have been significantly slower. Her legacy remains a symbol of resilience and innovation in aeronautics.

## Notable For
- First African American to earn a pilot's license (1921)
- First Black woman to receive a pilot's license from the FAI (1922)
- Inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame (1962)
- Inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame (1993)
- Inducted into the Women in Aviation International Hall of Fame (1990)
- Featured on U.S. coins as part of the "Prominent American Women" series (2022–2025)

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Bessie Coleman was born on January 26, 1892, in Atlanta, Georgia, to a Black family. She attended Langston University in Oklahoma, where she studied music and mathematics. In 1910, she moved to California to study at the University of Redlands, where she earned a degree in music. Her passion for aviation began during this time, as she was fascinated by the early days of flight.

### Aviation Training and Breakthroughs
In 1911, Bessie Coleman traveled to France to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. She trained at the Caudron School in Le Crotoy, where she learned to fly in a Caudron G.3 biplane. Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, she persisted and earned her pilot's license in 1921, making her the first African American to achieve this milestone. In 1922, she became the first Black woman to receive a pilot's license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI).

### Career and Public Performances
After returning to the United States, Bessie Coleman performed aerial displays and exhibitions, showcasing her skills to audiences across the country. She also worked as an aviation instructor, teaching others to fly. Her performances helped to raise awareness about the possibilities of aviation and inspired future aviators.

### Legacy and Honors
Bessie Coleman's groundbreaking achievements earned her numerous accolades, including induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame (1962), the National Women's Hall of Fame (1993), and the Women in Aviation International Hall of Fame (1990). She was also featured on U.S. coins as part of the "Prominent American Women" series (2022–2025), recognizing her historical significance.

### Death and Commemoration
Bessie Coleman passed away on April 30, 1926, at the age of 34. Her legacy continues to inspire aviators and advocates for racial and gender equality in aviation. Her story remains a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. [Source](https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/bessie-coleman)
4. [Source](https://pioneersofflight.si.edu/content/bessie-coleman-becomes-first-licensed-african-american-pilot)
5. [Source](https://earlyaviators.com/ecoleman.htm)
6. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langston_University)
7. Find a Grave
8. [Source](https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/bessie-coleman/)
9. Notable Black American Women
10. International Standard Name Identifier
11. Virtual International Authority File
12. SNAC
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. Coleman, Bessie (1892-1926), aviator
15. [Source](https://www.biography.com/explorer/bessie-coleman)