Home » Celebrating the centenary of Bessie Coleman’s pilot license

Celebrating the centenary of Bessie Coleman’s pilot license

On Monday, the National Air and Space Museum, and many others, marked the 100th anniversary of the day Bessie Coleman earned her pilot’s license – and changed history.

Click through the links in the tweets below to learn more about this incredible woman and some of the men and women who were inspired by her accomplishments.

*Bessie Coleman next to a Curtiss JN-4 Jenny aircraft* -courtesy National Air and Space Museum

In the air and on the ground, Bessie Coleman made history, changed history, and witnessed history. As we celebrate the centennial of her earning her pilot’s license, discover five stories you may not know about her life and legacy. https://t.co/WBIO9gPHpQ
— National Air and Space Museum (@airandspace) June 15, 2021

100 years ago today, in 1921, Bessie Coleman made history when she became the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license. As a Black woman, she wasn’t able to learn to fly in the U.S. so she had to move to France to do so. Learn more: https://t.co/nT7LLsybKZ pic.twitter.com/Eu6lTnb29N
— National Air and Space Museum (@airandspace) June 15, 2021

After earning her pilot's license 100 years ago today, Bessie Coleman later returned to the United States, where she performed as a barnstorming pilot. More on Coleman’s aviation career and barnstorming: https://t.co/1wyUPNcgmk
— National Air and Space Museum (@airandspace) June 16, 2021

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) recognizes the 100 year anniversary for Bessie Coleman’s monumental achievement of becoming the first African-American woman and the first Native American to earn an international aviation license. pic.twitter.com/dXY5T4q8SK
— O'Hare Intl. Airport (@fly2ohare) June 15, 2021

On June 15, 1921, Bessie Coleman became the first Black and Native American woman to earn a pilot's license. 100 years later, United First Officer Carole Hopson honors Bessie's legacy a goal of enrolling 100 Black women in flight school. pic.twitter.com/xi4G33TVpl
— United Airlines (@united) June 15, 2021