answersLogoWhite

0

Why is Bessie Coleman famous?

Updated: 8/22/2023
User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Best Answer

At a time when opportunities for women (and especially black women) were limited, Bessie Coleman's achievements were unique. In the early 1910s, when aviation was still relatively new, and few women were learning to fly, Bessie became one of the few black women (or men, for that matter) to take flying lessons. Given that America was still segregated, she had to go to France in order to find a school that would take her on as a student. Her studies included learning to pilot a plane and also do stunt flying. In 1921, she passed her tests and became the first American woman of color to be a licensed pilot. (Some sources say she was the first black person of either gender to be a licensed pilot.)

By 1922, she began performing at U.S. air shows, gaining considerable attention; she also gained considerable criticism, since it was unusual for a black woman to be a pilot, and Bessie Coleman was also very outspoken about racism in the society. Throughout the early-to-mid 1920s, she continued to perform and her goal was to open her own school for training aviators. It was a dream she never fulfilled, because in April 1926, she was killed during a flying exhibition. Millions mourned her death.

Today, she is still an inspiration to many young women, especially those who want to fly. She can be seen on a U.S. postage stamp, and among the posthumous awards she won was induction into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

She was the first African American to get a pilot licence and an be a air plane pilot.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Bessie Coleman is famous for being the first African American get a pilot license and be a airplane pilot. Also, she was the first American women to hold on to an international pilot license.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why is Bessie Coleman famous?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Elizabeth Bessie Coleman?

what was elizabeth bessie famous for


Why is Bessie Coleman famous for doing?

she is flying


What did Bessie Coleman embrase?

Bessie Coleman became famous because she was the first man or woman African American lisenced pilot.


What date did Bessie colman die?

May 1, 1926 Bessie Coleman the famous aviator died.


Who was George Coleman to Bessie?

George Coleman was Bessie Coleman's father.


Did Bessie Coleman had a husband?

Bessie Coleman Did Not Have a Husband.


What did Bessie Coleman give?

Bessie Coleman give


Who was the person who was one of 13 children died in an airplane crash?

Bessie Coleman


What actors and actresses appeared in Bessie Coleman - 1922?

The cast of Bessie Coleman - 1922 includes: Bessie Coleman


Who flew first Amelia airheart or Bessie colman?

Bessie Coleman


Where is Bessie Coleman drive located?

where is Bessie Coleman Drive


Who is Bessie colemen?

Bessie Coleman was a famous civil aviator. Coleman was the first African American female pilot to earn an international pilot license and stage a flight publically.