African Americans from Texas
Influential Black Texans
Bessie Coleman
Bessie Coleman set an example for women everywhere! Though she came from humble beginnings, she was able to realize her dream. Bessie became the first African American pilot on June 15, 1921. Wow! What an accomplishment for women everywhere. This was an achievement for both African Americans and women.
The Buffalo Soldiers
Buffalo soldiers were very brave. They served at a time when tensions were flared among Native Americans and Anglo settlers. This was also a time of prejudice, bandits, and thieves. These men were called Buffalo Soldiers by the Native Americans who thought the soldiers' thick black hair reminded them of the buffalo.