Willa Beatrice Brown Chappell, 1906-1992 born Glasgow, Kentucky.
Aviator, politician, educator and activist, Willa Brown gleaned strength and inspiration from the life work of
Bessie Coleman. She was instrumental in establishing the Coffey School of Aeronautics and in doing so, fulfilled
Bessie's long standing dream of an all black flying school. With a master's degree from Northwestern University
and a Master Mechanic's Certificate, Willa became the first African American woman to earn a commercial pilot's
license. She was the first woman to fly with the Illinois Air Patrol. She was also the first African American to
achieve an officer's rank in the Civil Air Patrol and lead the fight to integrate African Americans into the U.S.
Army Corp.
Aviator, politician, educator and activist, Willa Brown gleaned strength and inspiration from the life work of
Bessie Coleman. She was instrumental in establishing the Coffey School of Aeronautics and in doing so, fulfilled
Bessie's long standing dream of an all black flying school. With a master's degree from Northwestern University
and a Master Mechanic's Certificate, Willa became the first African American woman to earn a commercial pilot's
license. She was the first woman to fly with the Illinois Air Patrol. She was also the first African American to
achieve an officer's rank in the Civil Air Patrol and lead the fight to integrate African Americans into the U.S.
Army Corp.
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