Man’s desire to fly led them to invent the airplane. When people in the U.S. first took the skies, men were the only ones allowed to soar amongst the clouds. When the first pilot’s license was issued to a white man in 1911, it would be nearly 10 years before a Black woman could receive a pilot’s license. Due to the heroic efforts of certain Black women, the aviation space is no longer limited to society’s ridiculous ideals.
If you believe that Black women can do anything, including flying a plane, then you should know about these four women who beat the odds and took aviation higher than ever.
Bessie Coleman
Bessie Coleman was an exceptionally skilled pilot who made history and opened doors for other Black women to take up space in the pilot’s seat. As the first Black woman to earn her pilot’s license, she became known as “Brave Bessie” or “Queen Bess.”
Born on January 26, 1892 in Texas, Coleman’s initial career trajectory didn’t quite lead her to the path of aviation. She began her endeavors by attending the Colored Agricultural and Normal University (now Langston University.) She paid for tuition by saving the money she earned from working with her mom, picking cotton, and doing laundry. Unfortunately, she had to drop out early because she could no longer afford to make payments.
After her short college career, she lived with her brother and attended beauty school to become a manicurist. When her brother returned from fighting the military during World War I, he brought back stories of adventure. He boasted about women in France who were allowed to fly planes, unlike in the United States. These stories planted a seed in Coleman’s mind that she might take to the skies and fly one day.
With this seemingly audacious dream, she applied to different aviation schools. Unfortunately, she was rejected from flight schools across the country because she was a woman and an African-American. After many rejections, Coleman applied to a flight school in France. After taking French classes to complete the application process, she was finally accepted to the Caudron Brothers’ School of Aviation in Le Crotoy, France. On June 15, 1921, Coleman received her international pilot’s license at the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. Soon after, she returned to the U.S.
Because of her accomplishments abroad, when she returned home, she gave speeches and performed air tricks for theaters, schools, and churches. Her goal was to earn enough money to buy her own plane. While giving speeches and putting on shows, she refused to perform in front of a segregated audience. Because she spoke out against inequality, Coleman became known as a daring pilot and an advocate for equality.
Eventually, she saved enough money to buy her first plane, Jenny—JN-4, with an OX-5 engine. Coleman spent most of her career performing dangerous air tricks and touring the country, giving flight lessons. She inspired numerous women to fly and pursue their dreams despite obstacles. Even after her tragic death during a plane mishap on April 30, 1926, she left a legacy for many others in and out of the aviation space.
Willa Brown
Since Coleman showed the world that Black women could become pilots, soon after, Willa Brown followed in Coleman’s footsteps.
Born in Glasgow, Kentucky, Brown was the first woman to receive a pilot’s license in the United States. After achieving significant success in 1938, she set her sights even higher. She became the first African American Officer in the Civil Air Patrol.
After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, things began to take off when she moved to Chicago and started working with Cornelius Coffey, an influential Black aviator. Together, they shaped the lives and careers of over 200 pilots when they opened the Coffey School of Aeronautics. Some of their students became Tuskegee Airmen during World War II.
Like most influential Black women, Brown continuously broke stereotypes and interrupted the status quo. She consistently advocated for civil rights and inclusion for Black Americans within the military and aviation sectors. She dedicated her time and energy to ensuring Black pilots were accepted into the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP) and later the U.S. Army Air Corps.
Brown died on July 18, 1992, and she made the world a fairer and equal place.
Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell
Since a young age, Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell knew she wanted a career in aviation. Born on April 20, 1976, in Lafayette, Indiana, she began chasing after her dream by earning her commission as an officer in 1998 from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
After that, she got her undergraduate pilot training and specialized in flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon. She began breaking barriers when, in 2000, she became the first African-American Woman to complete the Air Force’s undergraduate pilot training for fighter jets.
As someone who is up for a challenge, she has flown missions during Operation Northern Watch and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and many more important missions.
Like her fellow trailblazers, Kimbrell also made it her mission to advocate for others and speak out against racial and gender barriers. Since she retired from the United States Air Force, she has been focused on supporting the next generation. She teaches physical education and is the director of culture, climate, and diversity with the athletic department at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado.
Zoey Williams
From a young age, Zoey Williams couldn’t keep her feet on the ground. Born in Ontario, Canada, and the daughter of pilot Captain Orrett Williams, her childhood consisted of living abroad and traveling to Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Europe. Her worldly experiences helped motivate her to pursue a career in aviation.
At 15, Williams embarked on a journey to become a certified flight instructor and received her pilot’s license at age 16. Throughout her schooling, she dedicated herself to advancing her career and knowledge as a pilot. Over the years, she has earned an Advanced Diploma in Aviation Flight Management, a Bachelor’s in Aeronautics and Aviation Management, and a Master’s in Business Administration specializing in Aviation and International Business. Additionally, she has worked as an airport ramp worker, college flight instructor, and air pilot.
Williams’ career has been nothing short of exceptional. However, it was her historic achievements that truly set her apart. She made history as the first Black woman pilot at Air Canada and the first Officer on a Boeing 777, paving the way for future generations and inspiring change in the aviation industry.
More than just an accomplished pilot, Zoey is a community leader. Her diverse worldview and experiences have inspired her to support others in her community. She is on the Board of Directors for Urban Pilots Network and actively volunteers with underserved communities.
Reading through this list, perhaps some names are familiar, or you may have learned something new. These women show everyone what is possible through dedication and hard work. If you ever doubt that something is possible, check your history; a Black woman probably has already done it.
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