Bessie Coleman achieved a groundbreaking milestone in aviation by earning her pilot’s license in June 1921, becoming the first woman of African-American descent to do so. With a deep-rooted passion for flying, Coleman was born in Atlanta, Texas, and grew up facing the dual challenges of her gender and ethnicity. Following her education, she worked various jobs, from manicurist to manning the front desk at a dance hall, with her love for aviation always in the back of her mind. Unfortunately, American flight schools would not admit her due to her race.

Determined to pursue her dream, Coleman learned French and traveled to France, where she enrolled in the Caudron School of Aviation. Against the backdrop of a world recovering from war, she successfully completed her training and earned her pilot’s license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, becoming a symbol of black excellence and female empowerment in a world that offered little opportunity for both. Upon her return to the United States, she began performing aerial shows and used her newfound fame to advocate for the training of African Americans in aviation.

Coleman's story is marked not only by her achievements in the air but also by her commitment to challenging racial stereotypes and advocating for increased opportunities for African Americans in aviation. Her performances helped spark broader interest in aviation among the black community, and she became an influential figure and role model, paving the way for future aviators. Despite facing discrimination, Coleman persevered, proving that with tenacity and skill, the sky was indeed the limit.