March 2024 Edition

Happy Women’s History Month

Culture & News

Bessie Coleman History Night

The Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum honored the legacy of Bessie Coleman with her very own history night. She was the first African American woman to receive a pilot license (two months before Amelia Earhart). This free public event allowed visitors to tour the museum and enjoy refreshments. The history lecture was lead by the Bessie Coleman Aviation Allstars who travel the country to educate others about this phenomenal woman. Even more of a treat, the guest speaker was Gigi Coleman-Brooms, the great niece of Bessie Coleman. She was enthusiastic, intelligent, and interacted with the audience like a masterful maestro.

Bessie Coleman (1892-1926) was born in Atlanta, Texas to a large family. She helped her mother take-in laundry and picked cotton to earn income. The audience was passed around an actual old-time washboard and samples of cotton. As a young woman she moved to Chicago and worked various jobs. The Coleman brothers served in World War I and Bessie was inspired by their stories to become a pilot. American racism passed Jim Crow Laws which kept her from being educated in flight schools within the United States. She was given admission to a flight school in France. The speaker reminded the audience that racism was not totally absent in France. But the opportunity to educate herself was not denied to her based upon her race. In 1921, she earned her international pilot license and returned to the United States.

She dreamed of having her own flight school and performed public flight shows that drew large crowds. According to Women’s History.org: “Soon she returned to her hometown in Texas to perform for a large crowd. Since Texas was segregated, the managers planned to create two separate entrances for African Americans and white people to get into the stadium. Coleman refused to perform unless there was only one gate for everyone to use. After many meetings, the managers agreed to have one gate, but people would still have to sit in segregated sections of the stadium. She agreed to perform and became famous for publicly standing up for her beliefs.” ¹ Sadly, Bessie Coleman died in 1926 due to a flight accident. Her memory lives on through speaking tours by her great niece Gigi Coleman-Brooms, her multiple awards, and a U.S. quarter in her honor. She even has her own Barbie doll. Be sure to view the history night photo slideshow and video posted below. Happy Women’s History Month!

Bibliography

( 1 ) Alexander, Kerri Lee. “Bessie Coleman.” National Women’s History Museum. 2018. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/bessie-coleman.

💖For Additional Reading

Women’s History.org: Bessie Coleman (1892-1926)

https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/bessie-coleman

Art/Film/Literature News

She’s Not Our Sister

Three sisters are dealing with the grief process after their father recently passes away. Soon, they become aware of a surprising family secret. The movie: She’s Not Our Sister (2011) is a comedic-drama with a stage play atmosphere. Each of the sisters have their own unique personalities. The oldest sister Vivian, is a bit resentful that she had to be a mother to her younger siblings, due to their father’s vices. The middle child Cynthia is a free spirit with a fear of commitment to her adoring beau. The baby of the family is Denice, a sweet natured college student who resembles their deceased mother. Will their father’s unexpected secret tear the sisters apart or bring them closer? A good movie to watch. And Aunt Connie was a hoot!

Business/Non-Profit/Inspirational News

Ice Cream Parlor

La Michoacana Plus is an ice cream parlor franchise that features Mexican ice cream flavors and snacks. You can try Aguas Frescas (natural fruit drinks), Vaso de Elote (street corn in a cup), or nachos. The Strawberry Raspado (shaved ice) is one of my favorites. So much ice cream, so little time.

Book Review

Me, Myselfie, & I: A Cautionary Tale

The selfie photo has become such a common cultural feature but what happens when it goes extreme? The book: Me, Myselfie, & I: A Cautionary Tale Written by Jamie Lee Curtis & Illustrated by Laura Cornell (2018, 40 pages, hardcover) is a super cute fun story about selfies gone wild. A cute storyline and nice illustrations.

💖Book Quote:

“Hunger was building, She said, “I need more.”
Holding her cell phone, “Let’s selfie the store!

News Videos (4)