Third grader Alexandra Williams got to give a presentation on Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license in the U.S., to the FAA after her school project was vetoed by her teacher. Yamiche Alcindor shares this story.

@Yamiche We certainly agree that Bessie Coleman is an inspiration whose legacy is worth celebrating! Thanks, Alex, for helping more people learn about her incredible story.

𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Scott Galloway, multi-millionaire professor, gives dire warning about the decline of American capitalism, expanding wealth inequality and far-right CEOs. ★ NEW ARTICLE ⬇️

@Yamiche #1. @Yamiche I saw your story about one of my She Heroes, Bessie Coleman. Here's a pic of my Nephew & Niece at Miss Coleman's grave which is across my family plot in Lincoln Cemetery -Alsip, IL. (Chicago).

@Yamiche This is confusing. How is Bessie Coleman not a hero? If Maya Angelou can be a hero, why not Bessie Coleman? Is it just because the teacher didn't know this particular hero? Why not take it as a moment for her to learn? I don't understand the teacher's rationale.

@Yamiche Context is important. Who gets to determine what a hero is for a 3rd grader? This is supposed to be about learning…and black history is too constrained anyway for something that is actually AMERICAN history!

@Yamiche We went to @AirandSpace a few years ago & my child took pics with the Bessie Coleman display and wore aviator gear during one of their child activity days. The teacher needs to educate herself.

@Yamiche We just renamed an elementary school after Bessie Coleman in our town! She’s definitely a hero.

@Yamiche What school district is the teacher "teaching" in. She needs to take some lessons. The whole point of giving a child an assignment like this, is for them to explore the many people who have done great things, sometimes you learn new things even you ,the teacher, didn't know.

@Yamiche #2. @Yamiche I'm 62 yrs. old and ever since I can remember going to the Cemetery as a kid, yearly on what was once called Decoration Day (now Memorial Day), My Grandmother took me over to lay a flower on Miss Coleman's grave, Miss Coleman was always a HEROE to us!🌹🕊 ✈️ 🇺🇸

@Yamiche Thank you Yamiche. I’m so proud of that little girl but saddened by how she was treated.

@Yamiche What kind of teacher shoots down a presentation idea that a kid is excoffensive. Particularly at this age. It's not like she was trying to skimp on the work, or do something offiensive.

@Yamiche Can we please get the teacher to publicly declare WHY he/she would veto this subject for a presentation???!

@FAANews @Yamiche I’m happy to hear this! Coleman is such an under appreciated woman in Black History it’s good seeing kids learn about her.

@Yamiche Well done Alexandra. I love your report. I'm glad you taught us about Ms. Coleman. She must of been a special, smart & determined woman. I'm sure she had adults that didn't want to give her credit just like your teacher did to you. You're the only one who gets to pick your hero.

@Yamiche Does she go to school in Florida, because that would explain things.

@Yamiche Was Alex ever allowed to give her presentation at school? Was the teacher reprimanded for such an egregious restriction? Did her mother post the presentation so we can all watch it?

@Yamiche This story was quite amazing. I was so touched by this young girl's sincerity. Alexandra knew Bessie Coleman was a hero and her story allowed me to have the privilege of knowing it as well! BTW, Alexandra Williams is one of my heroes!

@Yamiche This is an incredible report for several reasons. As a 5th grade teacher, I can’t imagine telling a student that Bessie Coleman is “not a hero.” I am curious…in what state did this take place?

@Yamiche This is a quintessential example as to why it's imperative to have African-American teachers in classrooms. My White guidance counselor in high school told me I wasn't college material. Today's the Sabbath, so I won't tell you what my father told him. 😉 💪

@FAANews @Yamiche I’m so glad that Alexandra didn’t take no for an answer. That’s an important life lesson to stand for what you believe in. You taught me about Bessie Coleman & I appreciate that. I’m glad this little hero got to give her presentation to the @FAANews 👏🏼🛩️🏅

@Yamiche Congrats to Alexandra for her presentation to FAA. I bet her teacher must feel so embarrassed by rejecting her school project.

@Yamiche Yes! This is such a Blessing to see. She has been taught, she "Can Do All things... through Christ who strengthens her." I'm so proud of this young lady and her mother. This is the good stuff!!! Thank you.

@Yamiche Loved her amazing presentation of a true Black hero. Thank you mom!

@Yamiche So what happened to the teacher? The story is incomplete. Was the teacher punished?

@Yamiche That same teacher would've seen Amelia Earhart as a hero even though there's probably a Bessie Coleman Drive near her airport.

@Yamiche Hats off to Alexandra Williams and her wonderful Mom for sticking with Bessie Williams Hero status! This is a great story and it’s great the FAA created such a superb space for Alexandra!

@MelissaFoersch1 @Yamiche To tell students that they cannot choose a specific hero is wrong. Alexandra learned how to research, create a presentation, and make decisions. Congrats Alexandra! Girl Scouts would be great for you to continue to grow.

@Yamiche Who is the teacher? Principal? Superintendent? School? And school district?

@Yamiche Not very good teacher

@Yamiche On the other end of the spectrum, one of the BEST episodes of Drunk History was about her. @lyricsaidwhaaa was so great in it as was @samirawiley. It starts at 4:55.

@Yamiche Parents, that’s how you do it! If you’re not parenting your child like this, you’re doing it wrong! 💕