Black History Month Honours Astronaut, Dr. Mae Jemison

Dr. Jemison, the first Black woman to travel to outer space

Dr. Mae Jemison is an extraordinary figure who has significantly contributed to science, medicine, and space exploration. Born on October 17, 1956, in Decatur, Alabama and raised in Chicago, she went on to become the first black woman to travel into space when she served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992.

Dr. Jemison’s interest in science and space began at an early age. She was inspired by Nichelle Nichols, who was a black actress on the mega-hit show Stark Trek, playing Lieutenant Uhura in the television series, which showed a future where people of all races and genders could work together in space. She pursued her interests by studying chemical engineering at Stanford University and later attending medical school at Cornell University.

After completing her medical degree, Dr. Jemison worked as a general practitioner in Los Angeles, California. However, her passion for space exploration never faded, and she applied to NASA’s astronaut program in 1985. In 1987, she was selected as one of fifteen astronaut candidates out of more than 2,000 applicants.

Dr. Jemison made history in 1992 when she became the first black woman to travel into space. She served as a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which launched on September 12, 1992. During her eight-day mission, Dr. Jemison conducted experiments on the effects of weightlessness on the human body and the growth of plants in space.

After leaving NASA in 1993, Dr. Jemison continued to make significant contributions to science and education. She founded the Jemison Group, a technology consulting firm, and also created the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, named after her mother. The foundation’s mission is to promote science education and inspire young people, especially girls and minority students, to pursue careers in science and technology.

Dr. Jemison’s achievements and contributions to science have been widely recognized. She has received numerous awards, including induction into the International Space Hall of Fame and the Texas Science Hall of Fame. She has also been recognized by the National Organization for Women as one of the six women of colour inducted into the International Women’s Hall of Fame.

Dr. Mae Carol Jemison is an inspiring figure who has broken down barriers and opened doors for women and minorities in the fields of science and space exploration. Her contributions to education and technology have made a lasting impact on society and will continue to inspire future generations. As we celebrate Black History Month, we honour her legacy and the legacy of all black men and women who have made significant contributions to science, technology, and society.