She was also the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Bessie Coleman was born on January 26, 1892, in Atlanta, Texas, to a family of African American sharecroppers. Her early life was marked by poverty and hardship, but her parents encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Coleman’s interest in aviation began when she saw a biplane flying overhead during a visit to a local airfield. She was captivated by the aircraft and knew she wanted to fly. Coleman’s parents, George and Susan Coleman, were supportive of her aspirations, but they also faced opposition from their community. Many people in their town believed that women and African Americans could not become pilots.

The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale and International Pilot’s License

In 1921, Coleman traveled to France to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. She enrolled in the École de Pilotage Aéronautique in Le Puy-en-Velay, where she trained with French instructors. Coleman’s determination and hard work paid off, and she earned her international pilot’s license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in 1921. Coleman’s achievement was a significant milestone in her career, but it was also met with skepticism and racism.