“If I can create the minimum of my plans and desires, there shall be no regrets.”
– Elizabeth “Bessie” Coleman
Who is Bessie?
Elizabeth “Bessie” Coleman was an American pilot. She was born in 1892 in Atlanta, Texas and was one of 13 children. When she was a child her father left her family, leaving her mother and siblings to take care of themselves in any way they could. She didn’t complete college at (now called) Langston University because of finances and at 23 she moved to Chicago to become a manicurist. Then, she began listening to and reading stories about World War I pilots, and her whole life changed. She taught herself French to attend a France’s Caudron Brother’s School of Aviation. At the age of 29 she got her pilot’s license and specialized in stunt flying, eventually being dubbed Queen Bess.
Who was Queen Bess? Bessie Coleman was the first African-American and Native American woman to receive her pilot’s license.
She’s an important woman in history and inspired many others to pursue their own dreams, and now, thanks to Queen Girls Publications, her story is available for young girls all over.
What is Queen Girls?
Queen Girls is a new series for children. The women behind Queen Girls “want to give girls a positive view of life and help them envision their dreams.” They intend to do this through their Queen Girls stories that are all based on real women, turned into stories children can understand and connect with.
For every book purchased, another book “will be donated to a kid who might be struggling to dream.” They are partnered with local and international organizations who are “fighting illiteracy and empowering girls”.
The Books
The first book is “Bessie, Queen of the Sky” – The first African-American woman in the world to receive her pilot’s license. When Bessie was growing up, no one could have imagined that a girl from a humble family would get out of the cotton fields and become a pilot, but Bessie used her courage and determination to make her dream come true.
“Isadora, the Rebel Queen” (coming soon) – Inspired by the story of Isadora Duncan, a ballerina who danced away from rigid ballet technique towards what she perceived as natural movement. Influenced by the sea, she started dancing like no one ever did before, imitating the waves of the sea with her arms and feet – She defied conventionalist minds by creating what today we refer to as Modern Dance or “Barefoot Style.”
“Savi, Queen of Education” (coming soon) – Inspired by the story of Savitribhai Phule, a woman poet, an educationalist and a social reformer, Savi was one of the earliest crusaders of education for girls in India. She defied all odds to become the first female teacher at the first women’s school founded by her and her family.
*Summaries are taken from Queen Girls website.
How to make it happen
In order for Queen Girls to become a reality, the creators have started a Kickstarter campaign. Their goal is $8,000 by January 15, 2017. If this project sounds like something you’d be willing to support, here is a link to the Kickstarter! There is more information on their plans there.
Here are the rewards you can receive depending on the amount you donate:
Visit Queen Girls Publications
*Quotes from media kits and Kickstarter page for Queen Girls
I know this is different than what I usually post, but I just had to share this with all of you. I love the idea and I’ve already read an early version of Bessie’s story! I think it’s a great opportunity to spread some positivity in the community and to children.
No Comments