A 9-year-old student’s school project on aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman has sparked controversy in 2023 after it was reportedly rejected by her teacher, only for the young girl to present it at the Federal Aviation Administration later.
Alexandra Williams, a third grader, chose Coleman as her “hero” for a Black History Month assignment. Coleman made history in 1921 as the first African American to earn a pilot’s license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.
But according to reports, her teacher questioned whether Coleman qualified as a hero and suggested more widely recognized figures such as Harriet Tubman or Maya Angelou.
Alexandra said she felt upset after putting significant effort into the project.
“I was mad because I took all that work,” she said, describing her reaction when her presentation was not accepted and she was not called on in class.
Her mother, who works at the FAA, challenged the decision. “I beg to differ,” she recalled telling the teacher after being informed that Coleman was not considered a hero for the assignment.
Determined to ensure her daughter’s work was recognized, Alexandra’s mother arranged for her to present the project at FAA headquarters in Washington, D.C. There, the young student shared details about Coleman’s life and achievements with agency officials, including the deputy administrator.
During her presentation, Alexandra highlighted Coleman’s daring feats as a pilot, noting she was known as “Brave Bess” and performed aerial stunts such as walking on airplane wings and parachuting from aircraft.
The experience ended on a positive note, with Alexandra receiving a commemorative coin honoring Coleman and a themed doll. Reflecting on the experience, she shared a lesson she had learned: “Not to take a no for an answer because there’s a big gigantic yes at the end of the road.”
The story continues to draw attention online, with many praising the young student’s perseverance and reigniting conversations about representation in education and how historical figures are recognized in classrooms.
