Bessie Coleman
January 26, 1892–April 30, 1926
The first African American woman to earn a pilot's license, who defied racism and sexism to soar as a pioneering aviator and civil rights trailblazer.
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Who Was Bessie Coleman?
The first African American woman to earn a pilot's license, who defied racism and sexism to soar as a pioneering aviator and civil rights trailblazer.
Bessie Coleman was born on January 26, 1892, in Atlanta, Texas, one of thirteen children. Her father, part Choctaw and part African American, left when she was about nine. She picked cotton and walked four miles to school. In 1915, she moved to Chicago and worked as a manicurist.
Every American flight school rejected her. With help from Chicago Defender publisher Robert Abbott and banker Jesse Binga, she traveled to France. On June 15, 1921, she earned her FAI pilot's license - the first African American and Native American woman to do so. She barnstormed across America as 'Queen Bess.'
Coleman refused to perform before segregated audiences. On April 30, 1926, she was killed in a crash in Jacksonville, Florida, at age 34. She inspired the Bessie Coleman Aero Club and the Tuskegee Airmen. The USPS honored her with a 1995 stamp. Every year, pilots fly over her grave and drop flowers.
Key Events in Bessie Coleman's Life
Did You Know?
Every American flight school rejected her!
Her father was part Choctaw - she was also the first Native American woman pilot.
Her brother teased her into learning to fly.
She refused to perform before segregated audiences.
Pilots fly over her grave every April 30 and drop flowers.
She survived a 1923 crash that broke her leg.
The USPS honored her with a stamp in 1995.
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Bessie Coleman Complete Teaching Bundle
Lesson Plan
8-page comprehensive lesson plan with learning objectives, activities, and assessment. Differentiation included.
Student Workbook
12-section interactive workbook with reading passages, activities, quizzes, and a completion certificate.
Flashcard Set
40 cards across 6 categories: vocabulary, key facts, events, quotes, fun facts, and review challenges.
Instant digital download · Printable PDF · Grades 4–8 · Verified accurate
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📖 Lesson Plan
📝 Student Workbook
Read the passage about Bessie Coleman and answer the questions below.
🃏 Flashcard Set - Click to Flip!
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