Coleman, Bessie, 1892-1926

Bessie Coleman (b. Jan. 26, 1892, Atlanta, TX–d. April 30, 1926, Jacksonville FL) was an American civil aviator and the first woman of African-American descent and the first of Native American descent to hold a pilot license. At 24, she moved to Chicago and became interested in flying but was unable to attain a license in the United States. She relocated to Paris in 1920 and in 1921, Coleman became the first woman of African-American and Native American descent to earn an aviation pilot's license and the first person of African-American and Native American descent to earn an international aviation license from the Fédération Aéronautique International. In the United States she was highly popular stunt pilot.