Bessie Coleman was never meant to stay grounded. Born one of thirteen siblings on January 26, 1892, in Atlanta, Texas, Bessie had dreams of soaring among the clouds. But getting the opportunity to fly wasn’t easy. With discrimination rampant everywhere in the United States, no American flight school would permit Bessie to learn through their programs.
Setting aside her aspirations temporarily, Bessie moved north to Chicago in her early twenties where she worked as a manicurist at a suburban barbershop. Her brothers, who served overseas during World War I, often teased their sister about how women could learn to fly in France but could not in America. Determined that nothing would stop her from flying, Bessie spent night after night learning to speak and write in French. Once she did, Bessie enrolled and was accepted into the Caudron Brothers' School of Aviation in Le Crotoy, France, eventually earning her pilot's license, making her the first African American woman to do so. Bessie then returned to tour America. She inspired generations with her powerful, moving speeches.
She dazzled crowds with her aerobatic stunt flying, including making
loop the loops and making figure 8 shapes with her plane. From coast to coast, Bessie became an instantly beloved icon everywhere she visited.
Bessie also refused to speak and fly anywhere that exercised segregation or discrimination. Returning to her hometown of Atlanta, Texas, she would not perform once she learned event planners had two separate entrances into the fairgrounds, one for African Americans and one for white people. Bessie only showcased her talents once the planners agreed to provide a gate all attendees could use.
Bessie became famous for her stunts and publicly stood up for her beliefs. Today, more African Americans and
women across the country have taken to the skies because of brave people paving the way. Bessie went halfway
around the world to open up a greater world for all.
DENPerks, your more than 170+ reasons to eat, shop, relax and earn rewards at our airport, is proud to celebrate Bessie and all the aviation icons of color for their contribution.
