Fly Free (Bessie Coleman), Best and Brightest: Redefining Excellence

Bessie Coleman (January 26, 1892-April 30, 1926) was the first African American female pilot. Her father was part of the Cherokee nation, her mother was African American. She procured money to become a pilot with the support of Robert S. Abbott and Jesse Binga of the Chicago defender. In 1920, she moved to Paris to earn her pilot’s license, and become the first woman of African American and Native American heritage to do so. She became a stunt flier (barnstormer), and hoped to open a school for African American pilots. She died in 1926 while rehearsing a new stunt. Another pilot was at the helm of the plane when it flipped over, and she fell out.