August 17, 2007
"Bessie Coleman" mixed media 8"x10" Bessie Coleman was the world’s first licensed black aviator. She was the first African-American woman to fly an airplane. Born in Texas, Bessie moved to Chicago to earn money to learn to fly. After learning that France was enlightened in matters of race and gender, Bessie learned the French language, moved to France, and received flight training . In 1921, two years before Amelia earned her license, Bessie became the first African-American woman to earn an international pilot's license.