FL S1712

Recognizes Bessie "Queen Bess" Coleman as a pioneering aviator during the centennial celebration of the world's first scheduled commercial airline, the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line (inaugural flight January 1, 1914)

Acknowledges Coleman as the first African-American and Native-American female licensed pilot in the world after receiving her Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) license on June 15, 1921

Honors Coleman's legacy of performing in desegregated air shows across the country and her commitment to advancing opportunities for minorities and women in aviation

Commemorates Coleman's death on April 30, 1926, when a loose wrench became wedged in her plane's gearbox during preparation for a Jacksonville air show, causing her to fall 1,000 feet

Notes the annual memorial tradition where African-American aviators fly in formation over Lincoln Cemetery in Chicago on the anniversary of her death to honor her contributions to aviation