I decided blacks should not have to experience the difficulties I had faced, so I decided to open a flying school and teach other black women to fly.

In this quote, Bessie Coleman, the first African-American woman to hold a pilot’s license, reflects on the challenges she faced as a Black woman and her determination to provide opportunity and support to others who faced similar difficulties. Coleman’s decision to open a flying school was rooted in her desire to make aviation more accessible to Black women who were often excluded from such fields due to racial and gender barriers. Her resolve was to break down the limitations imposed by society and empower others to pursue their dreams, just as she had.

Coleman’s initiative to teach other Black women to fly speaks to her commitment to breaking barriers and offering opportunities for those who had been systematically denied them. By opening a flying school, she not only provided a practical skill but also set an example of resilience, showing that race and gender should not determine one's ambitions or achievements. This was an act of empowerment, encouraging other women to follow in her footsteps and pursue careers in fields traditionally reserved for white men.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Coleman’s experiences in a society that was deeply segregated and discriminatory, particularly in the field of aviation. After facing rejection in the United States due to her race and gender, she went to France, where she received her pilot’s license. Upon returning, she sought to create opportunities for other African-American women, motivated by a desire to change the future for those who would come after her.

Ultimately, Coleman’s quote reflects her deep sense of social responsibility and her belief in the power of education and mentorship to create lasting change. Her story is a testament to the importance of vision and determination in overcoming adversity and helping others do the same. She is remembered not only for her pioneering achievements in aviation but also for her commitment to lifting others as she rose.