Fly High The Story Of Bessie Coleman Read Aloud
Bessie Coleman was born in Atlanta, Texas, in 1892. She was the tenth of thirteen children in her family, and her parents were sharecroppers. Despite this humble beginning, Bessie had big dreams. As a child, she loved to watch birds in flight and dreamt of one day flying herself. However, at that time, women and African Americans were not allowed to become pilots.
Early Life
When Bessie was 23 years old, she moved to Chicago to live with her brothers. There, she learned about aviation and met several pilots. However, no one would teach her to fly because she was a woman and African American. So, she decided to go to France to learn how to fly.
Bessie learned French and moved to France in 1920, where she enrolled in a flight school. She was the only African American in the class, and she faced many challenges. Despite these challenges, Bessie earned her pilot's license in just seven months. She was the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license and the first woman in the world to earn an international pilot's license.
Return to the United States
When Bessie returned to the United States, she became a sensation. People were amazed by her bravery and skill. However, she faced discrimination and racism in America. She was not allowed to fly in air shows, and she had to perform in "negro" air shows. Nonetheless, she continued to fly and perform, hoping to inspire other African Americans and women to follow in her footsteps.
Legacy
Bessie Coleman's legacy lives on today. She inspired many people to become pilots, including the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military pilots. She also inspired other women to pursue their dreams and break down barriers. Today, there are many female pilots, and African Americans are no longer barred from becoming pilots.
Bessie Coleman's story is a testament to the power of determination and hard work. She faced many obstacles but refused to give up on her dreams. Her legacy continues to inspire people around the world to never give up on their dreams and to fight for their rights.
Conclusion
Bessie Coleman's story is an important part of American history. She was a pioneer and a trailblazer who broke down barriers and inspired others to pursue their dreams. Her legacy continues to inspire people around the world, and her story should be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.