Women’s all-black crew run flight in honor of Aviation Legend Bessie Coleman
honored Bessie ColemanThe first Black woman to earn her pilot’s license in 1921, an all-Black female cabin crew operated an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Phoenix.
In honor of Coleman’s successor, the airline that hosted Gigi Coleman, Bessie’s wonderful granddaughter, on flight. Everybody – from pilots and flight attendants to cargo crew members and mechanics – are black women. In total, 24 people were involved in the operation of this historic flight.
“[Coleman] bravely broke down barriers in the world of aviation and paved the way for many to follow, ‘American Airlines’ said in a statement.
Based on CNNvery few women in any race had a pilot’s license in the early 1900sand those who did often white and rich. However, that did not stop Coleman. She learned French and moved to Paris. From there, she was accepted into the Caudron Brothers School of Aviation. In 1921, she became the first female pilot of African-American and Native American ancestry.
“I am so grateful that American Airlines has given us this opportunity to highlight my aunt’s amazing achievements in aviation,” said Gigi. said in a video posted by American Airlines on Youtube.
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Sadly, Coleman died in 1926 at just 34 years old during a practice run with another pilot.
American said it is being intentional in its efforts to diversify its airlines’ flight deck. The company says Black women have been seriously underrepresented in the aviation industry, especially as pilots. They represent less than one percent of the commercial airline industry.
The day after the flighty, representatives from the Bessie Coleman Foundation and American Airline pilots and cadets met with students at the Academics at South Mountain in Phoenix.
“Today, I’m beyond thrilled to be a part of the crew where we are inspiring young girls, young girls of color, to see the various roles that these women play in every aspect to make this flight possible,” Captain Beth Powell, the 737’s pilot, said in the video.