Explore Aviation History at Bessie Coleman: First to Fly – BMW of Elmhurst Dealer

You can learn about the life of aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman when the Elmhurst Public Library presents Bessie Coleman: First to Fly on Tuesday, March 20, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Daisy Century portrays Coleman in this exciting performance. You’ll learn about how Coleman became the first African-American woman pilot, as well as the first American to hold an international pilot license. At BMW of Elmhurst, we pay tribute to this unsung American hero. We believe Bessie Coleman: First to Fly will be an enjoyable an educational presentation.

Coleman was born in 1892 to a family of sharecroppers in Texas. She worked in the cotton fields at a young age while studying at a small, segregated school. She went on to attend a college term at Langston University. After applying to three American aviation schools, which refused to teach her, Coleman saved her money and received sponsorships to study at the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in France, where she earned her pilot’s license in 1921.

She became famous as a pilot in notoriously dangerous American air shows and earned the nicknames “Brave Bessie” and “Queen Bess.” She planned to open a school to teach African-Americans to fly. Coleman was killed in a plane crash in 1926. Coleman’s pioneering role was an inspiration to early pilots and the African-American and Native-American communities.

Dr. Daisy Century is an actress, historical interpreter, writer and educator. Her engaging portrayals of historical figures continue to captivate audiences. She is the author of two books (as Emily Nelson): “Belle” and “Ms. Emmaline’s Little Book of Wit and Wisdom.” She currently resides in Philadelphia.

Date and Time:
Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at 7:30 p.m.

Location:
Bessie Coleman: First to Fly is a live Zoom event.

Admission:
Free. Register at https://bit.ly/3clgNd7 to receive a Zoom link.

For More Information:
Call 630-279-8696 or email [email protected].