Elizabeth Bessie Coleman was an influential black woman oil tycoon in the early 1900s. She began her career working as a cook and laundress for oil rigs in Texas, often learning how to operate the machinery and eventually becoming involved with the business side of things. Eventually, she became a successful independent operator with her own drilling company - one of the first African American women to do so. Bessie's success allowed her to invest heavily in oil production, leading to many lucrative deals that made her very wealthy. Her influence didn't end there though; she also used her wealth and influence to help fund other African-American businesses around Oklahoma City, inspiring many others along their entrepreneurial journey. In addition, Elizabeth Coleman is remembered for being an advocate for civil rights during a time when African Americans were treated unfairly throughout society.