Langston University

Langston University will join Sen. Nikki Nice and the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics as they celebrate the life and legacy of LU alumna Bessie Coleman during Bessie Coleman Week from Jan. 26-30.

The celebrations will include a luncheon at the Oklahoma History Center on Jan. 26 and an LU alumni reception followed by a community celebration on Jan. 28.

“Langston University is honored to stand with Sen. Nikki Nice and the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics to celebrate the legacy of our alumna, Bessie Coleman,” President Ruth Ray Jackson said. “Though her time at Langston was brief, her determination and trailblazing spirit continue to inspire our students to pursue STEM and other historically underrepresented fields.”

Bessie Coleman came to Oklahoma from Texas in 1910 to attend Langston University, which was then the Oklahoma Colored Agricultural and Normal University. Although she could only afford to attend for one semester, she left her mark on the university and the state. She went on to attend flight school in France to earn her pilot’s license, and she became the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license.

Coleman became a stunt flier, and she was known for her daring tricks. People came from all over to watch “Queen Bess” perform in air shows. She died tragically in a plane crash at 34 years old on April 30, 1926.

A century later, Coleman’s story still inspires young people to pursue their education, particularly in the STEM fields. The planned celebrations are intended to honor Coleman’s legacy, share her story, and promote STEM education in Oklahoma.

“As Oklahoma’s HBCU and a proud land‑grant institution, we remain committed to expanding educational access and strengthening STEM pathways for the communities we serve,” Dr. Jackson said. “It is a privilege to honor Bessie Coleman’s remarkable story and share her enduring impact with the people of Oklahoma and beyond.”

The Bessie Coleman Centennial Luncheon and Forum will be held on Jan. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. Tickets are $20 each. You can purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oklahoma-bessie-coleman-centennial-celebration-luncheon-and-forum-tickets-1979263939724?aff=oddtdtcreator.

The Bessie Coleman Community Celebration and Aviation Conversation will be held Jan. 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Metro Tech Spring Lake Conference Center in Oklahoma City. The event is free and open to the public, and space can be reserved at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bessie-coleman-centennial-community-celebration-and-aviation-conversation-tickets-1980203909198?aff=oddtdtcreator.

There will be a private reception for Langston University alumni before the Community Celebration beginning at 4:30 p.m.