Jacksonville, Florida (January 26, 1892 -April 30, 1926) age 34 yrs

Bessie Coleman earned the first pilot’s license as an African American. She received it in France. This was after being denied entry into flight schools in the United States. She returned to the United States and performed in air shows as a stunt flier. Her goal was to set up a flight school for African Americans. Tragically, she died in a plane crash on April 30, 1926, before she realized her dream.