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Born in Atlanta, Texas, Coleman was subjected to many scenes of racism as a young child. Near her home, a Black man was accused of raping a five year old girl and burned to death. Her family could not make use of many White-only public services. The elementary school that she attended very often lacked such materials as chalk and pencils.

Coleman desired to progress from her poverty-stricken beginnings, so she moved to Chicago by the age of 23. She worked at a supermarket there with her brothers. Her life would change there, however, thanks to her brother and pilots who were returning home from World War I. They told stories about flying in the war and Coleman started to fantasize about being a pilot. Her brother used to tease her by commenting that French women were better than African-American women because French women were flying as pilots already.

Coleman took French language class at the Berlitz school in Chicago, and then travelled to Paris on November 20November 20 is the 324th day of the year (325th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 41 days remaining. Events 1272 Following Henry III of England's death on November 16, his son Prince Edward becomes King of England. 1407 A solemn truce be, 19201920 is a leap year starting on Thursday (link will take you to calendar) Events January January 7 Forces of Russian White admiral Kolchak surrender in Krasnoyarsk. January 9 Britain announces it will build 100,000 homes for war veterans. January 10 Leagu. It should be noted that she was denied education at American institutions because she was a Black woman.

Coleman was the only non-White student at her French pilot school, and she learned while using a plane that had failed many times. One time, she saw a fellow student die during practice. However, she learned quickly: in seven months, she was granted a pilot's license.

In SeptemberSeptember is the ninth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 30 days. The name comes from the Latin septem for " seven" September was originally the seventh month of the year, before January and February were inserted. In Greek civilization, S of 1921Events January 2 The first religious radio broadcast ( KDKA AM in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) January 2 Spanish liner Santa Isabel sinks off Villa Garcia 244 dead January 2 DeYoung Museum in Golden Gate Park San Francisco opens. January 20 Republic of Turke, she became a media sensation when she flew to the United States. Invited to important events and often interviewed by newspapers, she was admired both by Blacks and Whites. In 1922Events January 7 Dali Eireann ratifies the Anglo-Irish Treaty by 64-57 votes. January 10 Arthur Griffith is elected President of Dail Eireann January 11 First successful insulin treatment of diabetes. January 12 British government releases Irish prisoners, she participated at her first air show, in Long Island.

On April 30, 1926, alongside mechanic William Wills , who was piloting the plane, Coleman died in a tragic plane crash, caused by a wrench that Wills had accidentally left loose and that got stuck in the control gears. Wills also died.

Her funeral was attended by 10,000 mourners. Many of them, including Ida B. Wells, were prominent members of Black society. Being the first African-American woman pilot, she has been honored in several ways since her death: In 1931, a group of Black male pilots performed the first yearly fly-by over Coleman's grave, in 1977, a group of African American women pilots established the Bessie Coleman Aviators Club and in 1995, she was honored with her image on a postage stamp by the United States Postal Service.