Bessie Coleman is a name that is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈbɛsi kɒl.mər/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "e" sound - "bed" - followed by a soft "s" and then a long "e" sound - "feet." The second syllable has a "k" sound, an "o" sound like in "coffee," an "l" sound, and finally an "ə" sound similar to the "a" in "sofa." This transcription helps to accurately represent the correct pronunciation of Bessie Coleman's name.
Bessie Coleman was an American aviator who lived from 1892 to 1926. She is widely recognized as the first African-American woman to hold a pilot's license and the first person of African-American and Native American descent to become an accomplished pilot. Born in Atlanta, Texas, she faced racial and gender discrimination throughout her life but overcame these obstacles to pursue her passion for aviation.
Coleman's determination and perseverance led her to obtain flight training in France, as opportunities for Black Americans to train as pilots were scarce in the United States. With her pilot's license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in 1921, she gained fame as a skilled and daring aviator, performing in airshows across the United States. Known as "Queen Bess" in the press, Coleman inspired and encouraged others, particularly African Americans and women, to pursue careers in aviation.
Tragically, Coleman's impressive career was cut short when she lost her life in an aviation accident during a practice flight at the young age of 34. Despite her untimely death, her legacy and pioneering achievements in aviation endured. Bessie Coleman continues to be celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions in aviation, her determination to break barriers, and her unwavering spirit.