Elizabeth ‘Bessie’ Coleman

Description

Ball Point Pen Drawing

Digital Print Available
11 in x 14 in

Elizabeth ‘Bessie’ Coleman
1893 – 1926

In 1921, Bessie was the first African and Native American woman to receive a piolets license in the U.S.  She was known for performing highflying tricks and acrobats in front of thousands of viewers.  In the U.S. Coleman could not learn to fly because of discrimination, and decided to go to France to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot.  After receiving her international piolets license she returned to the U.S. to inspire other women to purse their dreams as well.  Although she had relatively short career, she made a lasting impact in history.