Honored Women of Aviation

Hunt has been documenting the achievements of African Americans within the field of aviation for nearly a quarter of a century, and he uses his extensive knowledge of pioneers like Brown, Coleman and Harmon-Bragg to encourage African American youth and others to think positively about themselves and their futures.

It is often difficult for young people to imagine a world separated along racial lines, a world where Blacks and other people of color were systematically made to feel inferior, and where opportunities were denied on the basis of race rather than one's aptitude or abilities.  Yet, that was exactly the kind of world Brown, Coleman and Harmon-Bragg encountered in the 1920's and 1930's as they grew into adulthood and developed a fascination with aviation.

Despite hardships, the three women pursued their love of flying.

Rufus Hunt believes such determination and courage are worthy of celebrating and each year he plans and coordinates a ceremony that involves activities both in the air and at the grave sites of Bessie Coleman and Willa Brown.

During this year's graveside ceremonies, the struggles and ultimate victories of Harmon-Bragg, Brown, and Coleman were recounted in tributes given by Tyrone Haymore, David Brown, and Sandra J. Wayne Campbell, respectively.  

As part of her presentation, Campbell wore a flying uniform similar to the one worn by Coleman.  (Click on "Sandra Campbell" in the graphic located at the end of this article for more information on her presentation.)

Among the honored guests attending the grave side ceremonies was Marion Coleman, the niece of Bessie Coleman.  Although frail and in a wheel chair, Marion Coleman graciously accepted the love and attention of those attending the ceremony.

At approximately 3:15 p.m., the gathering was stirred by the sight and sound of ten propeller planes approaching overhead in two "V" formations.  Two floral bouquets and a stream of red rose pedals descended from the formations as they approached Willa Brown's and Bessie Coleman's gravesites.  

It was a moving moment for both the spectators on the ground and the pilots flying overhead, much as Hunt had wanted and expected.

The practice of making commemorative flights over Coleman's grave began more than 70 years ago with two other pioneers among Chicago's first generation of African American aviators: Cornelius Coffey and John Robinson. 

With the success of the Wright Brothers in 1903, aviation quickly grew into a wide open endeavor that attracted tinkerers, aspiring entrepreneurs and dare-devils. Like most Americans living at the dawn of the 20th century, African Americans were intrigued with the potential of flight. 

When Bessie Coleman decided to take up flying, she was unable to find an instructor in the United States willing to teach her to fly, but she was determined.  Refusing to take no for an answer, Coleman learned French and went to France in 1920 for flight instruction.  She received her pilot's license on June 15, 1921.  When she returned to the United States, she began performing in air shows.  She believed her performances could inspire African Americans to pursue greater social advances.

On April 30, 1926, Bessie Coleman died in a tragic accident while preparing for an air show.  In 1931, Coffey and Robinson initiated the custom of flying over  Coleman's grave and dropping flowers.

While researching Coleman's history, Hunt discovered that a group of Black aviation enthusiasts known as The Challenger Air Pilots Association later expanded the custom, which continued into the 1960s.  The observance eventually waned as members of the association retired from active flying.  When Hunt learned of the flyovers, he decided to revive the tradition in 1979.

Coleman died before she could realize her dream of opening a flight school for Blacks and other Americans of color, but her courage and determination continue to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams.

The End