Soaring Over Poverty and Prejudice
by Kenny Smith
KITTY HAWK, NC (IFS) At the Wright Brothers Air museum, on the east wall of fame, is the first lady pilot of color to take to the skies. At age 29, Bessie Coleman was the first black woman to receive her pilot's license and the first woman to receive an international pilot's license. Bessie learned French as she had to go to France for lessons because no one would teach her in the US. Wanting to share her success and help other women and African Americans overcome poverty, prejudice and injustice she had faced she worked to open a flight school for African Americans. She believed they needed to take their place in the skies, too.
The doll comes dressed in her flight uniform designed by her when she got her license. The uniform has leather trim on her jacket, a hat with an embroidered eagle and leather boots.
Bessie comes with a small "Pilot's Log" journal for you to record your dreams and her biography. The biography is suitable for 8 years and up. The book is 119 pages with black and white photos.