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The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Dawn Miller
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
February is National Black History Month in the States. There are so many amazing people, history ignored. I enjoy meeting people I should’ve learned about in school.
QUEEN BESSIE
Bessie surveyed the Waxahachie, Texas Fairground. She never dreamed she’d be performing in her childhood town. Shielding her eyes, she gazed up into the sky. The only place she could truly be free.
The entrance to the park read, “Whites Only.”
Head held high, pounding with indignation, she stormed through the gate and barged into the manager’s office.
“I didn’t go all the way to France to earn my license for this. Am I not the first colored pilot in America?”
“Yes, Miss Coleman, but—”
“If my people aren’t treated with respect, there’ll be no show. Understood?”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
*Note: I call this fiction because, while I know the incident is fact, I don’t know the exact words Miss Coleman used to get her point across. 😉
CLICK HERE to learn more
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Uplifting!!
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Thank you, Jennifer. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Her strong will and stubbornness comes across. It’s a trait that is needed to be exceptional I think.
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Dear Tanille,
It does take stubbornness to make it in this world, doesn’t it. I’m glad it came across. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Many have faced so many hardships and discrimination to get our world to this present state.
Nice one.
Glad the words and actions of so many have made a difference…
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Thank you, Anita. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And you saw flight in the warping of light at the photo’s edge. You have interesting eyes, Rochelle
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Dear Neil,
Yes, as in warp speed. 😉 Also Bessie flew a lot of state fairs, no doubt she flew over a few barns just like this. And what she did was called “barnstorming.” Therefore it fits. Engage!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A good story based on truth, Rochelle. It’s a great choice for Black History Month. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
Someone once commented there should be a “White History Month.” Seriously? That’s twelve months out of the year. I relish February for Black History Month. There are so many people we never learned about in school that we should have. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Brilliantly written Rochelle, what a woman Bessie was, a trail blazer and what a tale, how unfair she had to go all the way to France to accomplish her dreams.
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Dear Shrawley,
I find it fascinating, given France’s Antisemitic leanings of today, that they had no segregation back in the day. It is sad that Bessie couldn’t get the recognition she deserved in her own country. Thank you re my story. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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They had a large national front presence too, amazing stuff. I’ve started mine but had to pop out to watch Doolittle with my son!!
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Thanks so much for hosting! First time joining in with everyone!!
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Welcome, Dee. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
Hoe you enjoyed my story. 😉
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Yes, great story about Bessie! Will you also participate in the barn photo prompt?
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That is my response to the barn prompt. 😉 I went with the action in the photo…it spoke flight to me. It’s all about what one sees in a photo. I often go with a more tenuous link to the photos.
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Oh ok, I see 🙂
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History is written by people like Bessie.
Good one, m’lady
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Thank you, CE. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story. I have a photograph of Billie Holliday taking the freight elevator up to an engagement at a swanky hotel. She’s wearing a gown and flower in her hair. She also has with her Mister, her enormous boxer dog. He’s wearing a collar studded with steel spikes and perhaps diamonds. It was rough times. Still is, though a tad less overt.
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Dear Josh,
This would be a great time to post that photo. I’d love to see it. Stay tuned for next week when we visit Josephine “oo la la” Baker. 😉 Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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‘Uplifting’ is the appropriate word to use to describe this. Another gem.
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Thank you for the equally uplifting comment/compliment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You are right – why are we not taught about people like this in school? Bessie should be world renowned, yet her place is taken by a string of celebrities and politicians…
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Dear Iain,
I can’t figure out how white came to mean superiority. The injustice overwhelms me sometimes. Thank you for flying by. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hurray for Bessie! It is tragic that her life was so short, but she has inspired many since then, even if not as much of a household name as she should be.
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Dear Trent,
Sadly, even in death, she went unnamed while her white assistant did not. She made a big imprint for such a tiny woman. I’ll never see flight history the same way. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I am in the aviation business (in a way) so I have heard of her and see a photo of her almost every year (aviation plus black history month…) so I guess I thought everyone knew about her.
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I heard of her for the first time last year. The only female aviator I knew from the day was Amelia.
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What a great story. She must have been an amazing woman, and dynamite in a small package. Lol. Great historical, an educational piece Mrs. Wordsmith.
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Why, thank you, m’luv. We know that dynamite comes in small packages, don’t we? 😉
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Powerful story. How oxymoronic to feature a Black female flyer but to disallow her own race to rejoice in her success.
Sometimes I just have to shake my head.
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Dear Linda,
Some things just don’t make a lot of sense, do they? Thank you for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I hadn’t heard of her but after reading this it’s a name I’m unlikely to forget. You’ve done it again Rochelle!
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Dear Keith,
What a lovely comment/compliment. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love this! I think you’ve captured her fierceness and her spirit. I had to Google her after reading your story because this is the first I’m learning of her, and she is such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing this, Rochelle!
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Dear Jade,
I did provide a link after the slideshow with more info. But I’m glad you took it upon yourself to Google her. She sounds like a person worth knowing. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good for her! I loved the way you fictionalised a real story. Thanks for educating me.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Dear Susan,
The history books need to be revised and Bessie needs to be in it! Thank you for your affirming comments. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Awesome story, and I imagine it went down in the way you imagined. Perhaps different words, but the intent would have been clear.
Shalom,
Ronda
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Dear Ronda,
From what I understand, the only thing fiction here is what she says. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
You’ve done it again! Brought to life someone too-far hidden in history as only you can do. What a brilliant and wonderful woman was that Bessie. Why these people are hidden from the history books is beyond me.
Shalom and lotsa high-flying love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I do believe the history books need to be rewritten. When I was writing “As One Must, One Can,” I had a helluva time finding out anything about Lon Tillman. Come on. He was on the staff of the first African American hospital in Kansas City and all Google dug up was a teeny tiny photo and a mention. Arrgh! At any rate, glad you flew along with me in this story. Thank you.
Shalom and lotsa hugs in the wild blue yonder,
Rochelle
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Honestly. Our history books are just as guilty. Glad you, at least, take the time to go digging and bring these deserving people to light.
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I do get a certain thrill from it. 😉
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And we learn something fabulous!
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😘❤️🍷
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🥂💞😘
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Good story, Rochelle. I can imagine her thrill turning to disappointment and indignation.
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Dear Sascha,
I’m sure I wouldn’t have wanted to get on her bad side. 😉 In reality, she passed on a few shows that paid well because of the integration. She was a woman of principle. Gotta admire that. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes. If only there were more people of principle around today.
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Once again, you have me reading up on someone I’ve never heard of. Her story reminds me of Ray Charles decades later refusing to perform in his home state of Georgia after learning the crowd would be segregated.
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Dear Nobbin,
I can’t imagine the outrage. It would be like doing a school play but your parents aren’t allowed to come and watch…on a grander scale, of course. Then the likes of Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis Jr, two of the greatest talents ever (IMHO) were denied accommodations and meals due to the color of their skin. OUTRAGEOUS!!! In any event, I’m pleased to introduce you to an amazing human. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good for her! I’m happy she got to be the one making the rules for once. Years later, the Tuskeegee Airman would continue the tradition. I just love tales like this. Love it, Rochelle.
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Dear Eric,
These trailblazers need to be lauded. I’m sure there were more than we’ll ever know in our lifetime. Too bad they’re being rewarded posthumously. ;( Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I am glad that she lived her dream, and that you told her story
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Thank you, Mike. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So, I signed up for the website after reading your fine (as usual) story and clicking on the link you had. Now, I’m looking for other websites that offer interesting tidbits about unknown accomplished American individuals. Randy
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Dear Randy,
I think there are more of those accomplished Americans we’ve never heard or ever will than we know. I’m happy to pique your curiosity. Todah Rabbah! 😀 (Good to see you here!)
Shabbat Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love your take on the photo! I didn’t realize February was Black History Month. I agree that so much history was ignored in school. Sad. Thank you for introducing us to Bessie Coleman.
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Dear Brenda,
I didn’t think about Black History Month until about halfway or there would’ve been more stories in keeping with it. 😉 Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great piece of historical fiction. Good, good writing.
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Thank you, Susan. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Once a common occurrence, I am happy such exclusions are not the mode of the day any longer. At least not in any part of the country I have lived in. Nice to see you again Rochelle.
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Dear Violet,
I’m so pleased to see you here in my purple corner. 😉 Thank you for encouraging comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good for her, standing her ground. Sometimes it needs people to rock the boat to bring change.
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Dear Ali,
It takes stubborn, strong-willed people to change the course of history, doesn’t it? Bessie was one. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I wonder how many excellent voices have been silenced throughout our history…Exceptional writing as usual.
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Dear Loré,
It’s so good to see you here! Thank you for your affirming comments. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another snippet of history – you must spend half your life researching!
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Perhaps, Liz. However, many of these stories drop into my lap. It might come from a snippet on TV or Facebook. If something sparks my attention, I have to pursue. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Always treat everyone with respect! Always the best policy.
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Dear Russell,
A good policy. If only it were the norm. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle–
I admire her strength and appreciate you sharing this heroine’s story.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Dear Lisa,
There are too many hidden heroes to write about in one lifetime. But I’m doing my best. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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Late check-in here. Great story. A lady to be admired and respected! Great story for her, too.:) ❤
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Dear Bear,
Better late than never. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Not only great writing, but it’s also a pleasure to read about people who make a difference.
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Thank you for such a lovely comment, Susan. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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sky’s the limit when you dream big. it was up there where she belonged indeed.
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Dear Plaridel,
She did belong there indeed. 😀 Thank you for flying by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great take and you’re educating me again, Rochelle
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Dear Michael,
You’re always welcome and thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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As always, you catch the mood of an event and make it live for your readers. And what inspiring individuals you find to write about!
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Dear Penny,
So many heroes, so little time. 😉 Thank you for your encouraging comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a fabulous portrayal of Bessie, I felt her feistyness through your words. A woman to be celebrated.
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Dear Francine,
She definitely was a woman to be celebrated. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
You’ve done a great job bringing Bessie to life and showing what a strong, determined woman she was.
Shalom,
Mags
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Dear Mags,
Thank you for such a lovely comment/compliment. I would love to have met Bessie. She accomplished much in her too-short life.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love this! I might have to learn more about this woman.
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