ABSTRACT
Coleman was one of thirteen children born to a father who was part Native American and a mother who was African American. When she was nine, her father decided to move to Indian Territory-now the state of Oklahoma-hoping to escape the discrimination that he faced in Texas. Bessie remained behind in Texas with her mother and several sisters. Soon after, she finished elementary school and began working as a laundress. Bessie hoped to continue her education, but she could only afford to attend school for one more semester.
