Every school child growing up in the United States has heard of Amelia Earhart (1897-1937), but very few know about Bessie Coleman (1893-1926) who was the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license and one of the most famous women in aviation history. 

Known as "Brave Bessie" or "Queen Bess," she was the daughter of a Native American father and African American mother.  One of thirteen children, she grew up picking cotton and doing laundry in a small, rural town in Texas.  Her determination, mathematical aptitude, and innate curiosity combined with the stories told by John, her older brother, upon his return from France as a WWI veteran, helped drive her to overcome prevailing stereotypes. 

She became a role model for women and African Americans, speaking at churches and schools using her influence to effect positive change - from refusing to perform at segregated air shows to encouraging interest in aviation and raising funds to found a school for black aviators. Bessie Coleman was truly a legend and a remarkable woman!

Never be afraid of being smart or being different!