avatarEP McKnight, MEd

Summary

Bessie Coleman, an African American woman born into a sharecropping family, overcame racial and gender barriers to become the first Black woman to earn an international pilot's license and a celebrated aviator known for her daredevil feats.

Abstract

Bessie Coleman's life was a remarkable journey of defying odds. Born in 1892 in Atlanta, Texas, she grew up in a large family of sharecroppers and, despite early challenges, developed a passion for learning. Coleman's aviation dream was ignited by her brother's war stories and the tales of the Wright brothers. With unwavering determination, she moved to Chicago, saved money, and pursued her pilot's training in France, as no flight school in the United States would accept her due to her race and gender. In 1921, she obtained her international pilot's license, becoming a trailblazer in aviation. Her achievements were particularly notable as they predated those of the famous Amelia Earhart. Coleman's legacy is marked by her exceptional flying skills, her fearless performances, and her role as an inspiration for African Americans and women in aviation.

Opinions

  • The author views Bessie Coleman as a legend who triumphed over the hurdles of racism, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination.
  • Coleman is portrayed as a masterful aviator with the courage to perform daredevil stunts, earning her the nickname "Brave Bessie."
  • The article suggests that Coleman's dream was not just about personal achievement but also about breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of Black aviators and women in the field.
  • The text implies that Coleman's impact extended beyond her flying career, as she also engaged in lecturing and left a legacy of unparalleled greatness in the face of adversity.
  • The author highlights the injustice that Coleman received little recognition in comparison to Amelia Earhart, despite achieving her pilot's license two years earlier.
  • The narrative emphasizes the significance of Coleman's story as a source of inspiration and pride within the African American community and the broader context of American history.

Women History Month Salutes Bessie Coleman, Daredevil in the Skies

How one legend triumphed racism hurdles one by one.

Photo by AF.mil

“Dying doing what you were born to do is heavenly.”

Daredevil Of The Sky Bessie Coleman defied all odds in the sky Soaring like an eagle, a master, she did fly In the skies, she felt as free as a bird The air, free of prejudice, not a word Nicknamed Brave Bessie, her reputation grew Who had the nerves of steel, fearlessly she flew Wright brothers, the airplane fifteen years invented She dreamed of flying, her heart never contented Born in Atlanta, Texas, January 26, 1892 Had twelve brothers and sisters, what a crew With sharecroppers parents, she picked cotton No education or school, until all cotton begotten She loved school, walked four miles to attend Had a whiz mind for numbers, in math ascend Read books from the traveling library twice a year About African American Heroes, she did cheer Working for Whites, she longed for a way out Believed she could do anything, had no doubt At twenty free headed for Chicago, determined she went As a manicurist at a barbershop, many ears she bent Robert S. Abbott, publisher, Chicago Defender newspaper One of America’s first Black millionaires, a favorite capper Her brother’s war stories her dream reawakened With dollars saved, a Paris flying school, she reckoned 1921, an international pilots’ license obtained Overnight fame, the spotlight, the elite she gained Black pilot in the field of aviation, first on the fence Two years before Amelia Earhart, no recognition hence She was flying high, she fulfilled her dream An overnight celebrity in America, she beams Mastered daredevil dives, soared, she thrived An eagle who knew no limits, she finally arrived Everything she did, flying, lecturing, she excelled Leaving a legacy of great stride and unparallel.

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