Carole Hopson’s journey to becoming a trailblazing commercial airline captain was ignited by the remarkable story of Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to earn a pilot’s license over a century ago.
From Corporate Executive to Pioneering Pilot
Hopson’s dream of taking to the skies started from a young age, even though it seemed like an impossible goal at the time.
After finding success as a corporate executive, Hopson’s passion for flying never waned. With the support of her husband, she took the first steps towards making her aviation dream a reality.
Discovering the Inspiration of Bessie Coleman
It wasn’t until Hopson was in her 30s that she learned about the groundbreaking achievements of Bessie Coleman.
Attending a Women in Aviation convention, Hopson received a gift that would change the course of her life – a coffee mug featuring Coleman’s photo and a powerful message that “50 words changed my life.”
Bessie Coleman’s Trailblazing Journey
Bessie Coleman’s story is one of incredible resilience and determination. Born the daughter of former slaves, Coleman refused to let the barriers of her time deter her from pursuing her dream of becoming a pilot. Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, she traveled to France to earn her pilot’s license in 1921, becoming the first African American woman to achieve this feat.
Overcoming Adversity and Reaching New Heights
Even after returning to the United States, Coleman faced ongoing challenges in finding work as a pilot. Undeterred, she became a celebrated barnstormer, performing daring aerial stunts that captivated audiences across the country.
Hopson’s discovery of Coleman’s story reignited her own passion for aviation, and she embarked on a journey to become a flight instructor, first officer, and ultimately, a captain on the Boeing 737 for United Airlines.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviators
As a pioneering Black female airline captain, Hopson now makes it a point to engage with passengers and share her story. She often greets them over the intercom, introducing herself as the captain and witnessing their surprise and delight.
Through her book “A Pair of Wings” and her own career achievements, Hopson hopes to inspire more people, especially Black women, to pursue their dreams of soaring through the skies, just as Bessie Coleman did over a century ago.
