Taking Flight: 7 Black Female Astronauts and Aviators Who Changed History

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Bessie Coleman

In 1922, Bessie Coleman secured more than her place in aviation history. Although becoming the first black woman to earn a pilot’s license is an incredible feat in itself, Coleman’s indomitable spirit and dogged determination has also provided inspiration and motivation to countless dreamers. When she could not gain admittance to aviation school in this country, Coleman taught herself French and moved to France to pursue her dream. In just seven months, she received her pilot’s license from France’s renowned Caudron Brother’s School of Aviation. Returning to the States, she performed spectacular stunt flying and parachuting tricks. In addition to being the first black female to earn a pilot’s license, Coleman is also in the history books for the first public flight by a black woman.

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