Bessie Coleman was a pioneering African American aviator and the first Black woman to earn a pilot's license. Born on January 26, 1892, in Texas, Coleman faced racial and gender discrimination in pursuing her dream of becoming a pilot in the early 20th century.

Denied entry to flight schools in the United States, Coleman taught herself French and moved to France to attend flight school. In 1921, she earned her pilot's license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, becoming the first Black woman and the first Native American woman to do so.

After returning to the United States, Coleman became a celebrated and daring stunt pilot, performing in airshows and inspiring other Black aviators. She used her platform to advocate for racial equality and encourage Black people to pursue careers in aviation.

Tragically, Coleman's life was cut short when she died in a plane crash during a rehearsal flight in 1926. Despite her untimely death, Bessie Coleman's legacy as a trailblazing aviator and advocate for equality has continued to inspire generations of African Americans and women in aviation and beyond.