Club AuCourant install new officers and learn about first female African-American pilot

Club AuCourant met on January 15, 2008, at the home of Agnes Oliver. Marion Dovel and Dimples Burns assisted as hostesses. Vice president Jan Elliot, acting for President Vivian Patton, presided.

During the meeting that followed, officers for the 08-09 club year were elected. They were: president, Jan Elliot; first vice presidents, Opal Sewart and Jean Robertson; second vice president, Marcella Harkrider; secretary, Dorothy Camp; reporter, Charissa York; treasurer, Kay McKinley; historian, Frances Adams; parliamentarian, Vivian Patton. Social chairman Jean Roberts reminded members the February meeting will be with Frances Adams, and Ima Roberts will give the program.

Cherissa York was introduced to give the program. In keeping with this year's theme, Texas women, she chose Bessie Coleman as her topic.

Bessie Coleman was born in Atlanta, Texas, in 1892. She was the tenth child of Susan and George Coleman. Susan was the daughter of slaves, George was part Choctaw and both were illiterate. But Bessie was a bright child who took advantage of every opportunity to get an education. She had a deep desire to "be somebody."

In 1915, Bessie moved to Chicago where she became a manicurist in a neighborhood barber shop. During World War I, she heard talk about airplanes and the French women who flew them. From then on, Bessie wanted to be a pilot. When she learned no one in Chicago would teach a black woman how to fly, she sought advice from black publisher Robert Abbott. He offered to help find a flying school in France and seven months later, she received her international flying license. She was the first African-American ever to receive a flying license. She was on her way to being "somebody."

She began flying air shows in the U.S. and visiting schools and churches to inspire others of her race to achieve their dreams. Sadly, in 1926 she was killed in an airplane accident.

After her death she received the recognition she deserved. In 1929, William J. Powell opened the Bessie Coleman Aero Club, a flight school for African Americans. The 1990s brought other accolades. May 2, 1992, was declared Bessie Coleman day in Chicago, and the U.S. Postal Service issued a Bessie Coleman commemorating stamp in 1995. Bessie Coleman showed the world anyone could achieve their dreams and be "somebody."

Those present were Frances Adams, Charlotte Austin, Dimples Burns, Dorothy Camp, Deana Covin, Marion Dovel, Jan Elliot, Yvonne Kennedy, Barbara Johnson, Kay McKinley, Agnes Oliver, Clemmie Richards, Ima Roberts, Jean Robertson, Pat Sers, Janice Slayter, Justine Stanley, Ellen Watson, Diane Wilson, and Charissa York.