02/23/2026
Black History Month – Post 3/4
In honor of Black History Month, Auralis is continuing our series recognizing courageous Black aviators and aerospace leaders who have advanced the industry.
Today, we highlight Bessie Coleman – the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license and first African American licensed by the Federation Aeronautique
Internationale (FAI).
Born in 1892 – at a time where her race and gender were excluded from aviation –Coleman was denied admission to American flight schools. Undeterred, she learned
French and moved to France to complete flight school, earning her pilot’s license in 1921.
She returned to the US and became well known for her airshow stunts, using her platform to advocate for racial equality.
After surviving a crash caused by an engine stall during an airshow, she was hospitalized with critical injuries. From the hospital, she sent a telegram to her friends saying:
“TELL THEM ALL THAT AS SOON AS I CAN WALK I’M GOING TO FLY! AND MY FAITH IN AVIATION AND THE USEFUL OF IT WILL SERVE IN FULFILLING THE DESTINY OF MY PEOPLE ISN’T SHAKEN AT ALL.”
A tragic crash in 1926 cut her life short, but Bessie Coleman reshaped who could see themselves in aviation. Decades later, Dr. Mae Jemison carried a photo of Bessie
Coleman with her into space. Her legacy is also honored at ORD – with Bessie Coleman Drive.
Learn more about Bessie Coleman’s life and impact on aviation at: Chicago: Mathias, Marisa. "Bessie Coleman." National Women's History Museum.2024. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/bessiecoleman.