February Ed Kinney Speaker Series Tickets for Sale

From Museum on Main:The Museum on Main is pleased to welcome aviation pioneer Bessie Colemanto Pleasanton on February 12th at 2pm and 7pm at the Firehouse Arts Center. The 7pm show is already sold out, but there are still tickets available for the 2pm matinee show. Bessie Coleman will be portrayed by actress Betty Slater who has previously performed as Coretta Scott King and Harriet Tubman. Although Bessie Coleman might not be as well-known as Betty Slater’s other characters, Coleman’s story is equally important and inspirational.

Bessie Coleman was born in 1892 to sharecroppers in Texas. She studied in a one room school house and worked picking cotton while dreaming of doing something with her life that would make an impact. She saved her money to go to university but ran out of funds after one term. She became a beautician and manicurist to earn money after moving to Chicago to live with her brother but remained restless. When her brother returned from serving in France during WWI, he told Bessie about how French women could fly and Bessie’s fate was sealed. She saved her money and moved to France in 1919 to become a pilot. When she returned to the United States, she was the first African American pilot and became a stunt pilot and lecturer travelling the country. She
dreamed of setting up a flight school for African American pilots and at every stop in her tour broke down stereotypes and challenged segregation. Although her life was cut short in a plane crash in 1926, her pioneering spirit, determination, and vision for the future has left a lasting impact on our shared American history.

Those who are interested in attending our February 12th performance can purchase tickets online at www.museumonmain.org, at the Museum on Main during regular operating hours, or by phoning the museum at (925) 462-2766. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors (65+)/students (with valid ID), and $10 for Museum Members. Tickets purchased by phone and online will be available for pick up at Will Call in the lobby of the Firehouse Arts Center on the afternoon and evening of the event. All speaker series events are general seating at either the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566 or the Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, CA 94566. For more information on the Ed Kinney Speakers Series visit www.museumonmain.org or phone Museum on Main at (925) 462-2766.

Image via Museum on Main