Great-Niece Of Pilot Bessie Coleman Speaks With Students In Tulsa

East Central High School students are learning about how far they can go if they don't give up.

The school is home to the first aerospace program in the Tulsa Public Schools district.

"I believe if you don't know your history, you don't know where you're going,” said Gigi Coleman, who travels to share the legacy of her great-aunt, Bessie Coleman.

Bessie was the first African American woman to receive a pilot's license.

"She believed in following her dreams and not taking no for an answer,” Gigi said.

Gigi said in the early 1920s, Bessie wanted to fly planes.

"In America, she was denied that privilege because of the racism and prejudice, but she didn't let that stop her,” Gigi said.

Bessie went to France and got her international pilot's license.

Gigi said too many people don't know about her great aunt.

Since Gigi started spreading the word, Mattel created a Barbie doll after Bessie in their series of inspiring women.

The U.S. Mint recently produced a quarter honoring her in their American Women Quarters Program.

East Central is making history as the first school in the district to have an aerospace program, so school leaders hope students are inspired and encouraged by Gigi's story.

In the fall, the school started the FAA-approved pilot program.

Career Tech Teacher Dwight Long teaches the aerospace maintenance class to 25 freshmen. After graduation, students can test for A&P certification to become a mechanic.

"The idea right now is to kind of create a hook, get the kids interested in this, let them see all the different avenues they can go into with the aerospace program,” Long said.

Gigi hopes to inspire students through Bessie's courage and tenacity.

"To let them know they can do whatever they want to in life. It might be a little struggle, but keep at it because if Bessie could do what she did in the 1920s, it's no excuse for you. The door is wide open for you to pursue your dreams in life,” Gigi said.