Bessie Coleman Fly-in is Saturday

On June 12 the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce will have the honor of hosting the Bessie Coleman Fly-in at Hall-Miller Municipal Airport. The event is a natural fit since Atlanta, Texas can make the claim no other city can - we are the birthplace of Bessie Coleman, the first female African American, and Native American pilot to become internationally licensed to fly. June 15, 2021 will mark a century’s passing since Bessie earned her wings.

Atlanta is pleased with the legacy that Coleman left here. The Atlanta Historical Museum proudly contains a popular exhibit on Bessie Coleman, including a large model airplane, the “Queen Bess,” which is 2/3 scale to the plane Bessie took to the skies.

With the 100 year anniversary coming up, some talk began on ways to acknowledge and celebrate Coleman and her pioneering achievement for minorities in aviation. Perhaps a festival in her honor or an airport fly-in were some ideas that came to mind.

The event began to take shape when the Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce was contacted by Dr. Monica R-Graham, representing the Fort Worth Chapter of the South-Central Section of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of licensed women pilots from 44 countries. The Mission of the Ninety-Nines is to serve as the international organization of women pilots that promotes the advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring a unique history and sharing a passion for flight. The Ninety-Nines are a very active organization, and each year, local Chapters sponsor several hundred educational programs, including aerospace workshops for teachers, airport tours for school children, fear-of-flying clinics for airline passengers, and flight instructors revalidation seminars. Monica expressed an interest in inviting members of the Ninety-Nines to fly into Atlanta’s Hall-Miller Municipal Airport for an event honoring Bessie Coleman right in the town of her birth. This was how the planning began for the upcoming Bessie Coleman Fly-in on June 12, 2021.

As for the Ninety-Nines portion of the Fly-in, a registration period was opened in May where spots could be claimed by girls ages 13-19 years old to receive an inaugural flight with a Ninety-Nines female pilot. The visiting pilots will be flying approximately 50 girls, as well as providing educational programs about the history of females in aviation and aviation career paths.

There will also be activities during the Fly-In for members of the public who are not participating in the Ninety-Nines flights. Atlanta’s own Melody Maxie Cranford, the award-winning Bessie Coleman impersonator will be performing at 10 a.m. and noon. In addition to Melody’s tribute programs - children’s crafts and activities that educate on Bessie Coleman will be available for free enjoyment.

Kids and adults can enjoy getting up close to a variety of aircraft and emergency vehicles.

The Atlanta Pilot Association will be providing lunches for guests in exchange for a donation.

The Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce has expressed interest in growing this event to be an annual celebration of Bessie Coleman. “I could see this year’s special Anniversary Event being the catalyst to a future multi-day event that celebrates Bessie, empowers females and attracts visitors from across the county. I think this is an opportunity to share something really special about Atlanta, TX, and I cannot wait to engage the community in future planning!” says Miranda Johnson, Chamber President.

The Bessie Coleman Flyin is Saturday, June 12th at Hall-Miller Airport. The public is encouraged to come out from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and celebrate the 100 Year Anniversary of Bessie Coleman becoming internationally licensed to fly!