About the Bessie Coleman Aerospace Legacy

Our purpose is to be a major participant in the promotion of aviation, aerospace, and the legacy of Bessie Coleman so that all interested individuals may realize their full potential.

In 1995, the Bessie Coleman Foundation, Inc. was established by a group of African American female pilots, and other African American aviation professionals and enthusiasts. The Foundation is based in Washington, D.C., and is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. In 2011, the name was changed to the Bessie Coleman Aerospace Legacy, Inc.

When ‘Queen Bess' earned her pilot's license only 6% of licensed pilots were female and unfortunately, that percentage has not changed. Even more striking is the fact that of the 100,000 plus Americans with commercial pilot's licenses, less than 50 (.005 percent) are African American females. 

Our members include African American female pilots, aircraft mechanics, astronauts, air traffic controllers, aviation attorneys, and other aeronautical careers and interests. Members of the Bessie Coleman Foundation volunteer to continue Bessie's legacy.

Our work includes participation in or sponsorship of:

• Aviation related events such as our annual Fly-Sister-Fly Empowerment Breakfast, where we recognize that humans with power write history.  We honor, celebrate and archive the aeronautical achievements of women of color and of others individuals in the aerospace industry. 
• Career Days at schools and community activities where we can interact with youth  to encourage them to consider aviation as a career choice. We promote Queen Bess through her legacy of self discipline, setting and meeting goals, resolving conflict, managing money, mastering foreign languages and yes - aviation careers. 
• Proud member of the International Black Aeronautics Council (IBAC).
• Aviation Career Enhancements (ACE) camps - where youngsters are exposed to all aspects of aeronautics in an effort to spark interest.
• The Bessie Coleman Aerospace Leadership Academy for young women - a two day workshop designed to utilize the proven skills of Bessie Coleman to expose and influence young women to set goals, and to consider aviation and aerospace technology as a career. Participants will become familiar with careers in aviation and aerospace through tours, guided discussion with professional aviators and lectures. They will also explore practical leadership skills such as financial literacy, setting goals, conflict resolution, and communication, through workshops and seminars.

 Click Here to view current BCAL officers and members.