Bessie Coleman was a pioneering African American aviator and the first woman of African American and Native American descent to hold a pilot's license. Born in 1892 in Texas, she faced discrimination and barriers due to her race and gender in the United States. Unable to find opportunities for flight training in the US, Coleman went to France in 1920 and earned her pilot's license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in 1921.

Coleman became a celebrated and respected pilot in Europe, known for her daring aerobatic stunts and skilled flying. Upon her return to the US, she became a popular figure in the African American community, inspiring young people and challenging racial barriers in aviation.

Tragically, Bessie Coleman's life was cut short when she died in a plane crash in 1926 at the age of 34. Despite her untimely death, Coleman's legacy as a trailblazer, pioneer, and inspiration for future generations of Black aviators lives on. In her honor, Bessie Coleman Aero Clubs were established to provide flight training and opportunities for aspiring pilots from underrepresented communities.