Meet Dr. Jacqueline LeonarD

WHO IS BESSIE COLEMAN?*

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Bessie Coleman, "The Only Race Aviatrix in the World"
Bessie Coleman was born in 1892 and became a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics trailblazer as a result of her airplane flights in the 1920's. 

Ms. Coleman was the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot's license.  When American flight schools denied her entry, Bessie taught herself French, moved to France then earned her license in France in just seven months.

Her impressive flying skills earned her the names
“Brave Bessie” and “Queen Bess”​. She was even referred to as "The Only Race Aviatrix in the World". 

​Tragically, Bessie Coleman died via plane crash while rehearsing in 1926 at the age of 34.
*Sources: National Women's History Museum, Bessie Coleman.org, Biography.com

ABOUT The BESSIE COLEMAN Project 

​Photo Credit: Shades of Blue
​The Bessie Coleman Project (BCP) is designed to expand learning opportunities for elementary and middle-grade students in the following areas:
  • Rocky Mountain (Wyoming and Denver, Colorado) and 
  • Mid-Atlantic regions of the U.S. (Philadelphia and Baltimore)
​
By leveraging Universal Design for Learning principles and strategies, BCP incorporates lessons and activities in:
  • 3D modeling
  • Flight simulation and 
  • Piloting drones

These activities are designed to bolster students’ interest and engagement in mathematics and science learning. 

The overarching purpose of the project is to create new STEM pathways that provide unique learning opportunities for underrepresented students.

faq​

so WHO WAS THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN PILOT?
The first African American Pilot was actually Emory Malick, a person previously unknown to historians. Emory received his pilot’s license in March 1912, when he was 31 years old. 

For More Info: https://www.airspacemag.com/history-of-flight/the-unrecognized-first-79496373
who was the first female african American Pilot?
Why, Bessie Coleman, of course! 
WHY IS BESSIE COLEMAN IMPORTANT TO AFRICAN AMERICAN AND Native COMMUNITIES?
Bessie Coleman is a symbol of perseverance to the African American and Native American Communities due to her being the first woman of either community to fly.