E2401

Black Heritage

Bessie Coleman - Aviator

Collins Cover Announcement 

BESSIE COLEMAN

Aviation Pioneer

On June 15, 1921 Bessie earned an International Pilot's License issued in Paris by the Federation Aeronautique. This license gave her the right to fly anywhere in the world. To complete this goal, the young American pilot had to learn French and work long hours as a manicurist in Paris to obtain her objective. The reason that she had to travel to Europe was that American flying schools would not admit her because she was Black.

The dream of Bessie Coleman was to learn how to fly and then to teach others. Despite many obstacles, through sheer determination she became an accomplished aviator. Fame came quickly to her as she gained notoriety for her air acrobatics and high flying stunts. Perfect figure 8's and pin-point landings were her specialties and she became known as "Queen Bess" in flying circles. She became a lecturer in the field of aviation and constantly encouraged women and African Americans to learn how to fly. On April 30, 1926 she was killed in a practice session crash while her mechanic was at the controls. If she lived longer and had enjoyed a fuller flying career, there is no telling how famous this skilled and talented woman aviator may have become. She certainly stands as an example for young people to challenge their dreams and to tackle life with determination and purpose.

The stamp for this issue is a nice one showing Coleman in the leather pilot's cap and flight goggles that she wore during her flights. My hand-painted cachet features a vintage bi-plane soaring high in the clouds with the earth far below. Queen Bess waves from the open cockpit as if to say "Look at me - I made it." With wing-tip extending beyond and in front of the cachet border, the plane has a three-dimensional look as if it's flying right out of the cover. Bessie Coleman - Female Aviation Pioneer. Item #E2401. $10.75.