✈️ Learn about Bessie Coleman, the first Black and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license. | Smithsonian Channel Aviation Nation

First Black Female Pilot: Killed Days Before Her Dream Bessie Coleman became the first Black woman pilot in 1921 after every U.S. flight school rejected her. For 5 years she saved to open a flight school for Black aviators. April 30, 1926—3 days after buying her own plane—a loose wrench killed her at 34. She wasn't even flying. SOURCES & REFERENCES: First Black woman pilot June 15, 1921 - Wikipedia; National Air and Space Museum; Smithsonian Institution Rejected by U.S. flight schools - Women's

On June 15, 1921, Bessie Coleman became the first Black and Native American woman to earn a pilot's license. Bessie was a pioneer and inspiration to early pilots in the African American and Native American communities. She paved the way for female aviators everywhere including United First Officer Carole Hopson. 100 years later Carole honors Bessie's legacy with a goal of enrolling 100 Black women in flight school. | United

Bessie Coleman may have had a short time on Earth, but in her 34 years she made major impacts on American history. The first Black and first Indigenous American, female pilot in the U.S., "Brave Bessie" needed to travel to France to attend flight school. She then returned to show America that women in planes could be known for flips, stunts, and fearlessly standing up for what's right. Bessie notably refused to perform at locations that wouldn't admit people of her race, and very openly gave enc