BESSIE COLEMAN (1892-1926) 
Another defiant, history making female pilot, Bessie was the first African American and Native American woman to get her pilot’s licence and was known for her impressive flying tricks of loops and figure 8s. As she wasn’t allowed to go to a flying school in the US due to her race and gender, she learnt French and applied to a school in France who would teach women.
After that, she would travel to give speeches and flight performances but would always stand up for what she believed in and would never attend anywhere that segregated African Americans. She also encouraged and taught women how to fly.
Tragically, Bessie died in a plane crash, but continues to inspire female pilots. In 1977, African American female pilots formed the Bessie Coleman Aviators Club.
“The air is the only place free from prejudices”
“I am doing this for many reasons, some of which I don’t fully understand.”
Another defiant, history-making female pilot, Bessie was the first African American and Native American woman to get her pilot’s licence and was known for
Tragically, Bessie died in a plane crash, but continues to inspire female pilots. In 1977, African American female pilots formed the Bessie Coleman Aviators Club.
“The air is the only place free from prejudices.”
Ranulph Fiennes (1944 – present)
Sir Ranulph Fiennes is often called the world’s greatest living explorer and has broken countless records and achieved unimaginable feats. He was the first to travel the world along the polar axis, discovered a lost city, completed numerous unsupported expeditions, climbed Mount Everest multiple times becoming the oldest person to do so, and at age 77 still isn’t stopping! Through all his adventures he’s raised millions for charity. Every challenge he’s embarked on has been life-threatening and he’s even lost some of his fingers to frostbite from the harsh, dangerous conditions he’s put himself through in the name of discovery. Before his adventuring days, Ranulph was an Officer in the British Army and even spent time in the SAS (special forces).
“I am doing this for many reasons, some of which I don’t fully understand.”
Matthew Henson (1866-1955)
Matthew is believed to be the first person to stand at the north pole, the most northern point of the world. However, due to being African American and racial prejudice, at the time all the credit went to his partner and close friend, Robert Peary. Matthew and Robert had a decades-long friendship and exploring partnership. Matthew was a skilled crafter, hunter, dog-handler and spoke Inuktitut (the language of the indigenous people of the Arctic). He was invaluable to their travels, and Robert said he couldn’t do it without him.
When they reached the most northern point, they’d actually overshot it and couldn’t work out who’d got there first! Only a handful of people were there, so there were lots of disputes. Robert got the credit and a lifetime of fame, whereas Matthew had to wait over 30 years for his contribution to be recognised and awarded the same prizes as Robert had.
“I think I am the first man to sit on top of the world.”
Answer the following questions in full sentences
- How did Bessie Coleman make history?
- What was Bessie known for?
- Where did Bessie learn to fly and why?
- What happened in 1977 to remember Bessie Coleman?
- What was Ranulph Fiennes first to do?
- His expeditions are described as life threatening, but what limbs has Ranulph lost?
- In his early career adventuring days, what did Ranulph do?
- What did Matthew Henson be the first person to do?
- Who was given the credit for Matthew’s achievement and why?
- What language did Matthew speak that was relevant to his expedition?
- How long did it take for Matthew to be recognised and awarded a prize for his achievement?