Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license, was catalyzed by a desire to overcome racial barriers and pursue her passion for aviation. After facing discrimination in the U.S., she went to France in 1921 to obtain her license, where she gained the skills necessary to become a pilot. Coleman's achievements inspired many and highlighted the struggles of women and African Americans in aviation. Moreover, she used her platform to advocate for racial equality and women's empowerment, ultimately laying the groundwork for future generations of aviators.