Former president Barack Obama was in Chicago this week, doing what celebrities do to light up social media: springing himself unexpected on ordinary people, in this case young kids at the Bessie Coleman branch of the Chicago Public Library in Woodlawn. There he read "Flying Free: How Bessie Coleman's Dreams Took Flight" by Karyn Parsons.
Which is all good -- Coleman is one of those Chicagoans who doesn't get enough attention. I learned about her so I could include a story in my 2022 book, "Every Goddamn Day" (which, now that I think about it, is being stocked again at the Book Bin in Northbrook. If you are looking for a Christmas gift for that Chicago history lover in your life, the book contains this and 365 other Chicago stories, will be gift-wrapped for free, inscribed however you like by me, and mailed to the lucky recipient for only an additional $5 shipping fee. You can reach the Book Bin at 847-498-4999). I can assume my version of Coleman's story has a bit more, ah, spice than the one Obama read to first graders.
June 15, 1921: Lots of jawboning goes on in a barbershop. Lots of idle talk, waiting for a shave, or a haircut. Chatting up the pretty manicurist in the window. Teasing her.
June 15, 1921: Lots of jawboning goes on in a barbershop. Lots of idle talk, waiting for a shave, or a haircut. Chatting up the pretty manicurist in the window. Teasing her.
“You Chicago girls don't know shit,” one former doughboy says, or words to that effect. “Now those French girls, they know where it's at. There are French girls who know how to fly.”
Usually this kind of thing leads nowhere. Not this time. Right then, Bessie Coleman makes a decision. “That’s it!” she says. “You just called it for me.”
She has always wanted to make something of herself. That's why she's in Chicago, doing nails, and not back home washing clothes in Waxahachie, Texas. If French girls can fly, so can she. There are airfields in Chicago and flying instructors, but nobody who is going to teach a Black manicurist how to pilot a plane. Coleman studies French. She saves her money. She gets some help — a manicurist holds the hands of many rich men. Maybe from Jessie Binga, the banker. Maybe from Robert S. Abbott, the publisher.
Today a French official fills out her license from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale. She is the first Black woman to hold a pilot's license, and returns to this country a star, performing acrobatic stunts. It will be 17 years before a Black woman earns a pilot's license in the United States.
Interesting.
ReplyDeleteThankfully that's in your wonderful book I'm sure the administration is trying to scrub away every trace of her from their official records and publications
ReplyDeleteHence, Bessie Coleman drive at O’Hare.
ReplyDeleteHey Neil, check out Bessie's story on Comedy Central - Drunk History. It's on Youtube.
ReplyDeleteFunny and truish. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bP95-7xbEk
DeleteNeil, Book Bin's website says it's not available
ReplyDeleteDon't trust the web site. They had it two days ago and if they don't, can get it quickly. Call them.
DeleteGot "You Were Never in Chicago" for Christmas in 2014. And "EGD" in '22.
DeleteAre your other books available online, Mister S? Wanna read every word!
They are. Look on eBay. If you want another memoir, along the lines of "You Were Never in Chicago," I'd recommend, "Don't Give Up the Ship." If you want something more straight history, try "Hatless Jack."
DeleteThanks muchly, Mister S. Think I'll try to find the first one.
DeleteMy father was a real piece of...work. We did not get along.
Are there any other titles available for my reading pleasure?
Well, "Drunkard" is a rollicking tale, if you have an interest in recovery memoirs.
DeleteDrunkard is an absolute standout. My favorite.
DeleteJust listened yesterday to a talk featuring Carole Hopson, a pilot and author of a novel about Bessie Coleman, "A Pair of Wings." I hadn't read the book, but Ms. Hopson is a great storyteller; I plan to read it now!
ReplyDeleteThe last sentence stating that it was 17 years after Bessie Coleman earned a pilot's license in France that a Black women received such a license in the United States, says a lot. As do the many references to this day of firsts by Black women. To me, it says, "Why the hell did they have to wait so long!"
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I can’t imagine the intestinal fortitude for a Black woman to achieve this back in 1921, it’s quite a feat. I know we’ve made some progress but every time I feel hopeful I see the quote from Charlie Kirk (cheered on by his fanboys) about “If I see a Black pilot, I'm gonna be like, 'Boy, I hope he's qualified.'" Three steps forward, two steps back.
ReplyDeleteHere in the Untied Snakes, six people die every minute of every day.
DeleteMost of them were good people. Charlie Kirk was not one of them.
Never heard of the mofo until the news came out of my car radio.
I learned of her in your book too--then I went down a rabbit hole (as it happens with a lot of your essays there) to learn more! I've given your book to several Chicagoan friends and they too have enjoyed it as I have! Happy Holidays!
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