1921 Bessie Coleman Became The First African American Pilot #2 Post

This is a segment of a series of articles that I am publishing, which bring to light many suppressed, altered, and just plain not reported facts about Americans who have made tremendous contributions to our society. Depending on the time frame in history that their contributions occurred, society and political pressures encouraged not giving credit where credit was do, to certain classifications of individuals. As I post new articles, the links to the old ones will be posted at the bottom of each current article. Please feel free to leave comments in the comment section of each article.

To Historical Truth,
Kenneth Golden

In 1921 Bessie Coleman became the First African American Pilot

Bessie Coleman in 1921 became the First African American Pilot, (Male or Female), to earn a pilot's license. This was a triumph for women around the world, regardless of their color, heritage, or obstacles facing them. Against all odds Bessie Coleman utilized an uncanny learning ability, intestinal fortitude, and steel like determination to achieve her goal.

She was blocked in the United States from even enrolling in any flying school, because of bias to her combination race and gender. However, Bessie did not know the meaning of being held back, and refused to be held back. Her alternative was to learn the French language in six months, move to France in 1920, then obtain an international pilot's license from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, after graduating from France's well-known Caudron Brother's School of Aviation.

Now this was no easy accomplishment, but in her mind everything was possible.

First - She had to face rejection in her own country, for wanting to satisfy her dreams.

Second - She had to internalize being blocked from entering any US flight school; For color and gender reasons.

Third - She had to become resilient, and find an alternative to accomplish her dreams.

Fourth - She had to learn the French language in six months.

Fifth - She had to move to France and enroll in The Caudron Brother's School of Aviation.

Sixth - She had to learn to fly a plane starting from the basics, with no prior training.

Seventh - She had to pass all test and flight requirements, in order to be a recognized pilot.

Eighth - Bessie received her pilot’s wings and accomplish her dream.

Ninth - Bessie received the title of “The First  African American Woman Pilot in America”.

Tenth - Bessie  returned to the United States and became an immediate sensation.

Bessie Coleman was born about six years ahead of Amelia Earhart, and even though each woman achieved some remarkable accomplishments, they traveled different avenues to achieve stardom. At he end of both of their lives, they were doing what they loved best, flying a plane.

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