CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A new doll will honor a pioneer pilot who lived in Chicago.
Bessie Coleman was born in Texas 131 years ago. She moved to Chicago in 1915 and while working as a manicurst in the White Sox barber shop she heard stories from fighter pilots returning from the first world war.
She would save her money and move to france to learn to fly. When she came back to the states she was the first african american and native american woman to have a pilots license.
Coleman was a stunt pilot and she died in a plane accident in April of 1926.
Toymaker Mattel is releasing a "Bessie Coleman Inspiring Women doll" to coincide with the anniversary of her birth on January 26.
In a statement, her great niece said she hopes the Bessie Coleman Inspiring Women doll will encourage others to learn about her life.
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