Bessie Coleman

Profession: Aviator

Nationality:

Biography: Bessie Coleman was born in Atlanta, Texas, in 1892. Her parents were sharecroppers, and she was the tenth of their thirteen children. When she was two years old her family moved to Waxahachie, Texas.

Coleman was a bright student, and she excelled in her studies. After graduating from high school, she moved to Chicago to live with her brother and attend college.

Coleman initially planned to study medicine, but she was unable to afford the tuition. She took a job as a manicurist instead. While working, she overheard her clients talking about aviation and became fascinated by the idea of flying.

When she learned that there were no flight schools that would accept black students, she decided to learn French so she could attend a school in France.

In 1920, Coleman became the first black woman to earn a pilot's license. She returned to the United States and began performing in air shows. She was a popular attraction, and her daring stunts thrilled audiences.

Born: January 26, 1892
Birthplace: Atlanta, Texas, USA

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Aquarius

Died: April 30, 1926 (aged 34)
Cause of Death: A plane crash caused by a loose wrench lodged into her plane's engine controls. The plane went into a spin and then a dive from which she was unable to recover control.