Bessie Coleman

First African-American woman and Native American to hold pilot license

Bessie Coleman (1892-1926) shattered racial and gender barriers in aviation when she earned her international pilot's license in 1921. Denied flight training in the United States due to segregation laws, she learned French and earned her license from France's Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.

Known as 'Queen Bess', she specialized in stunt flying and parachuting, performing daring maneuvers like 'loop-the-loops' and figure eights. Coleman used her fame to advocate for African-American participation in aviation, refusing to perform at segregated venues.

Her legacy inspired the Bessie Coleman Aero Clubs during the 1930s and influenced the Tuskegee Airmen. The U.S. Postal Service honored her with a commemorative stamp in 1995, cementing her status as an aviation pioneer.