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Our Community, Our Roots, Our Story Our Roots First African American Pilot....... Bessie Coleman, born in Altanta, Texas in 1892 was the first African American pilot. After taking over as surrogate mother to three other sisters hwile her mother worked, Bessie Coleman set sail for higher heights. She became interested in flying and worked hard to overcome barriers of being a woman and being black. Realizing she could fulfill her dreams at home, she saved her money and relocated to Europe. While in Europe, Bessie continued learning her passion and earned her license from the Federation Aeonautique International. She returned to the U.S. and began teaching other black women to fly, giving lectures, and flying in exhibit. She was eventually honored as the first woman to earn an International Aviation License and the world's first licensed black aviator. In 1926 Bessie Coleman fell to her death after being thrown from a plane. Read More about Bessie Coleman http://www.ninety-nines.org/coleman.html http://www.bessiecoleman.com/   Our Community First and ONLY Female African American Firefighter....... The City of Austin’s first and only Female African American Firefighter retired recently. Fire Specialist Betty Swint retired from the Austin Fire Department after 26 years of service. With the exception of a brief staffing transfer, it’s been mentioned that Lt. Swint worked at the same east Austin fire station (Station 26 in the Loyola/Decker area) her whole career. FS Swint was recently received a proclamation from City Council members. She was also acknowledged by the Austin Firefighter Museum. FS Swint’s turnout gear from the Austin Fire Department will be proudly displayed in the Austin Firefighter Museum. For a detailed interview between FS Swint and Austin American Statesman’s reporter Clair Osborne see the attached pdf.

 

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