A Pair of Wings

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A Pair of Wings is an epic novel centered on pioneer aviatrix Bessie Coleman, who arrived in Chicago in 1915 as part of the Great Migration, a significant movement of African Americans seeking opportunities in the North. By 1921, America was undergoing profound changes amid societal turmoil and progress. Jim Crow laws enforced segregation in the South, while lynchings and the looming prohibition cast shadows over the nation. Despite women gaining the right to vote, Coleman faced barriers as no one would teach a Black woman to fly. Undeterred, she learned French and sailed to France to pursue her dream of earning a flying license. As the 1920s unfold, Coleman matures alongside the evolving aviation landscape and the Great Migration. She becomes a trailblazer, uniquely navigating both realms. Her ability to translate wargame maneuvers into captivating aerial performances earns her the titles of Daredevil, Queen Bess, and Brave Bessie, inspiring a nation with her daring airshows. A century later, author Carole Hopson, a United Airlines pilot, brings Coleman’s story to life. Hopson views Coleman as a pioneer who paved the way for her own career and believes in continuing Coleman's legacy to broaden the path for future aviators. It is Coleman's indomitable spirit that uplifts Hopson and countless others, embodying the essence of A Pair of Wings.