![Gigi Coleman standing on the wheel of a Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny", built by Chapter 1414 of the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum, at Poplar Grove, Illinois in 2014. [Photo by Leonardo Correa Luna]](https://vintageaviationnews.com/wp-content/uploads/Gigi-Coleman-Polar-Grove-copyright-Leonardo-Correa-Luna-2014-678x381.jpg "Gigi Coleman Polar Grove copyright Leonardo Correa Luna 2014")
PRESS RELEASE
In 1921 Bessie Coleman, then aged 28, overcame both racial and gender discrimination to become the first African American woman to earn a pilot license. On February 3rd 2024 at 1 p.m. Bessie’s great-niece, Gigi Coleman, will deliver a dynamic performance recalling the life and times of her courageous auntie in her one-woman show The Life of Bessie Coleman: First African-American Female Aviator at Seattle’s Museum of Flight. Bessie Coleman became a famous airshow performer who encouraged African Americans and women to pursue careers in aviation. Gigi portrays Bessie’s story to challenge the mind and inspire individuals to achieve their dreams.
![Bessie Coleman standing on the wheel of a Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny" circa 1922. [Photo Public Domain]](https://vintageaviationnews.com/wp-content/uploads/Bessie-Coleman-1928-Public-Domain-1024x520.jpg "Gigi Coleman Performs Solo Show About African-American Aviation Pioneer 1")
Gigi Coleman wants to inspire youth to be interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Education. She designed an aviation program, the 501(c)3 Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars, to expose disadvantage youth to career opportunities in the field of aviation. The program is designed to enhance self-esteem, multicultural awareness, preparation for the world of work, and support educational and STEM programs. The program is supported by hands-on activities speakers and field trips and exposes students to careers that they would not consider.
The show is free with museum membership and included with general admission. For more information about the event visit the Museum of Flight’s website https://www.museumofflight.org/
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Zac, born and raised in New Zealand, grew up immersed in aviation, with his father working as a helicopter crewman and living at Wanganui Airport. His passion for aviation started in childhood, building scale model kits and following the global warbird scene. He later trained as a journalist but found mainstream media unfulfilling, leading him to pursue a career as an aircraft maintenance engineer.
Now residing in Blenheim, near the historic Omaka Aerodrome, Zac studies at RNZAF Base Woodbourne and aspires to become a private and warbird pilot. Known as "Handbag" in aviation circles, he shares his love for aviation through photography and writing, connecting with enthusiasts worldwide.
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