Bessie Coleman: A Biography Bessie Coleman, the first African American female pilot in the United States, was born in Texas, in 1892, to an African American mother and a father of Native American and African American descent. Bessie had a difficult childhood because her parents were poor and she had twelve siblings. When Bessie was still young, her father left the family and went to Oklahoma for work. Her mother then took care of the entire family. After Bessie graduated from school, she went to Langston University. However, insufficient funds forced her to drop out of university after the first term. While still in her early twenties, Bessie moved to Chicago to live with her brothers. She developed an interest in flying after hearing inspiring stories about the Wright brothers and World War l pilots. Bessie dreamed of becoming a pilot herself. However, for African American women, becoming a pilot in those days was like going through the eye of a needle. American flying schools would not admit her. But Bessie was not one to relent so easily. She was the Rosa Parks of her time and she persisted till she found a way to fulfill her dream. She had heard that flying schools in France allowed women to pursue courses in flying. She worked hard, saved money, learned French, and gained admission to the Caudron Brother's School of Aviation in France. In a few months, she made history by being the first African American woman to earn an international pilot's license. Bessie returned to the United States and performed many stunts to earn money. She hoped to start a flying school for African Americans. Before she could realize her dream, Bessie died in 1926, when she was only 34, while practicing for a performance. Even after her death, Bessie continues to be an inspiration for women. 10 Why does the author compare Bessie Coleman with Rosa Parks? A. to show that Bessie and Rosa both fought for women's rights B. to show that Bessie and Rosa were both Americans C. to show that Bessie was courageous like Rosa D. to show that Bessie and Rosa were both female pilots