GOD & TEXAS: Bessie Coleman
Bessie Coleman wanted to fly.
Born in Atlanta, Texas, in 1892, she knew extreme poverty. Her father was a sharecropper of Native American and African American descent. Her African American mother was a maid. Together, this hard-working couple barely provided for their 13 children.
In 1900, Bessie’s father was forced to return to the Indian Territory of Oklahoma. Her mother moved with the children to Waxahachie, and they survived by picking cotton and washing laundry. Bessie eventually finished eighth grade in a one room school for African Americans. However, her love for reading birthed big dreams.
Bessie attended an industrial college in Oklahoma for one semester but had to withdraw due to finances. She moved to Chicago, and became a skilled manicurist at the White Sox Barber Shop, which was owned by the baseball team trainer. While working there, she heard the stories told by World War I military pilots who had recently returned from battle. Now, beyond a doubt, Bessie was determined to fly!
When no American flight school would accept her, Bessie learned French and earned her international pilot’s license from the Federation Aeronitique Internationale in France. To earn this internationally recognized license, Bessie had to demonstrate advanced piloting skills that included a series of life-saving maneuvers which incorporated shutting down the engine before landing!
After returning to the US, Bessie began performing at air shows. Soon her skills were acclaimed nationally, and Bessie was in high demand. She became known as “Queen Bess,” “Brave Bess,” and “The Only Race Aviatrix in the World.” Her daring aerobatics stunned audiences who would erupt into loud cheers and applause as she performed her famous tail spins, loop the loops, circle 8’s, and steep banking.
But, the air show business was fickle. Battle-frayed aircraft were further compromised by inexperienced mechanics and violent weather. During a slow period of her life, Bessie made friends with actors and musicians who led her into unhealthy lifestyle choices.
At this critical time in her life, Bessie met Pastor Hezekiah Hill and his wife Viola. They surrounded her with the love and encouragement she desperately needed. After much prayer, Bessie made a public confession of her faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, proclaiming that she was “born again!” Bessie gave testimony of her faith at churches and community events.
Tragically in 1926, while rehearsing for an air show in Jacksonville, Florida, Bessie died at the age of 34 years. But she packed so much into her short life. To this day, Bessie is highly respected in the African American community. Dr. Mae Jemison carried a picture of Bessie Coleman on her first mission in the Space Shuttle Endeavor when she became the first African American woman in space in 1992.
Bessie leaves behind a remarkable testament of grit, determination, and faith in God. America is better because Bessie flew in our atmosphere. She understood Psalm 36:5 NIV, “Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.”
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