DFW’s American Airlines Celebrates Bessie Coleman’s Legacy With All-Black Female Crew

100 years ago, Bessie Coleman became the first Black woman to receive her pilot’s license. To honor her, American Airlines assembled an all-Black female crew, to manage a flight from Dallas to Phoenix.

Bessie was raised in Waxahachie, Texas. She made history in aviation and made a way for many Black women. Her aviation competency earned her names like “Brave Bessie” and “Queen Bees.”

Gigi Coleman, Bessie Coleman’s great niece, was hosted by American Airlines on the honorary flight, as well.

The all-Black female crew that operated the flight included the pilots, flight attendants, cargo team members, and the aviation maintenance technician.

Reports indicate that less than 1% of commercial airline pilots are Black women. Thus, the American Airlines Cadet Academy is spreading awareness and making easier, in diverse communities, to learn about aviation careers.