Photo:Mattel
In the 1920s, very few Americans had even set foot in an airplane.
The dolldesigned with poseable joints by Carlyle Nueracomes dressed in a historical flight suit and cap.
The inspiring toy allows young minds to explore Coleman’s adventures for themselves.
Photo:Mattel
Adult collectors can also appreciate the authentic appearance and certificate of authenticity.
Coleman joins other legends immortalized in Barbie plastic, includingTina Turner,Madam C.J.
Coleman saved up to attend college, but could only afford one semester.
Photo:Mattel
After that she tried beauty school in Chicago.
They told her about French women learning to fly airplanes, something not seen in America.
Coleman felt a calling.
Photo:Mattel
She applied to countless American schools, but none would accept her as a Black woman.
To pursue her dreams, Coleman had to learn French and write applications to French flight schools.
Eventually she was admitted to attend the Caudron Brothers' School of Aviation in Le Crotoy, France.
She received her pilots license at last in 1921 from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale.
She lectured, and in 1922 made history with the first public flight by an African American woman.
She quickly became famous for her daring figure eights.
She also took a strong stand against discrimination, refusing to perform or speak where audiences were segregated.
In 1923, Coleman survived a plane crash with severe injuries which eventually mended.
She purchased her own plane shortly after her return to the air.
The roofless plane flipped, dumping Coleman, who did not survive her fall.
Wills was killed in the impact when the plane came to earth.
Deeply mourned, her Chicago funeral was presided over by famous activist and journalist Ida B. Wells-Barnett.
In 2023, she will adorn a U.S. quarter minted as part of the American Women Quarters Program.
