Rise Above Limits Collector Mug is a reminder that limits are not the end of your story. The words on this mug are inspired by Bessie Coleman, an African American pilot born in Atlanta, Texas, in 1892. When she was told she could not learn to fly in the United States because she was a woman and African American, she did not give up. She learned French, traveled to France, and in 1921 earned her international pilot’s license. She returned home and became known for air shows and stunt flying, using her platform to encourage others to dream bigger. Coleman often spoke about the freedom she felt in the sky, saying, “The air is the only place free from prejudices.” She also believed deeply in perseverance, explaining, “I refused to take no for an answer.” When speaking about flying, she once said, “You’ve never lived till you’ve flown.” She wanted to open a flying school so future pilots would have opportunities she did not, and her life shows us that when you rise above limits, you help others rise too.
The background artwork on this mug comes from an original painting created by my son, Lamonte, whose creative expression and imagination are a constant reminder that legacy is not only something we inherit, but something we continue to build. This piece brings together history, voice, and the next generation of artists in one meaningful object meant to be used every day.
The message of this mug connects both stories. Bessie Coleman rose above barriers that were meant to stop her, and Lamonte’s artwork reflects the same spirit of curiosity, courage, and freedom to create. Together, they remind us that limits are often temporary, but determination, imagination, and belief in ourselves can carry us farther than we ever thought possible.
• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.79″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.25″ (8.3 cm) in diameter
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.69″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.35″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
• Lead and BPA-free material
• Colored rim, inside, and handle
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
