Bessie Coleman: Queen of the Skies
The Queen of the Skies, Bessie Coleman was the first African American and Native American woman to hold a pilot license. She also became the first Black person to earn an international pilot’s license and on June 15, 1921. She was only 29 years old.
Born to sharecroppers in Texas on January 26th, 1892, “Queen Bess” or “Brave Bessie” became a highly skilled stunt flier performing dangerous maneuvers in air shows. She studied abroad and returned to the United States to launch her career in exhibition flying.
Bessie Coleman primarily flew Curtiss JN-4 Jenny biplanes. Her first American airshow was on September 3, 1922. The event honored the Black veterans of the 369th Infantry Regiment of World War I. “Brave Bessie” delivered a stunning show full of dangerous stunts, including dips near ground, figure eights, and loops to an adoring, cheering crowd.
Bessie Coleman: Queen of the Skies, the extraordinary story of the life and career of Bessie Smith can be viewed at Tubitv.com as well as on Prime Video.
This documentary feature film was produced by Jupiter Entertainment for Discovery’s Curiosity Stream. The film features Von Hardesty, Gigi Coleman, Thelma Rudd, Philip Hart, and others who are familiar with the life and impact of aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman.
Co-producers: Tanya Hart, John Funk and Philip Hart.
There is no better woman to salute on International Women’s Day than Bessie Coleman. This globetrotting aviator earned her pilot’s license in France, trained in Germany, and barnstormed and lectured in America as she pursued her goal to establish a flight school. With the link below you can tune into our eight episode scripted podcast series starring Oscar nominee Quvenzhane Wallis as Bessie Coleman.
It’s a good day to fly!
