Women's History Month - Bessie Coleman (1892-1926)

The first African-American female pilot and first of native American descent female pilot as well, Bessie Coleman was a true pioneer of aviation.

Determined to go to flight school, she learned French so that she could get her pilot's license after no schools in America would accept her as a student. A true barnstormer, Bessie inspired many folks with her grit and determination. Where others saw barriers and excuses, she saw goals and leadership, setting the path for others to follow.

Her amazing and impactful aviation career was tragically cut short when she fell from an aircraft in 1926 to her untimely and premature death.