Mae Jemison
First African-American woman in space.
via Wikipedia: National Women's Hall of Fame · see source
- field
- Engineering, medicine, astronautics
- nationality
- American
Lore & Background
Mae Jemison was born in Decatur, Alabama, and raised in Chicago.
Reader's Guide
Mae Jemison's significance lies in her role as the first African-American woman in space, breaking racial and gender barriers in the U.S. space program. Her induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame and the International Space Hall of Fame underscores her lasting impact. Jemison's path from a childhood inspired by Star Trek to a real-life space mission continues to inspire underrepresented groups in STEM fields.
Did You Know?
- Jemison took a poster from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and a photo of aviator Bessie Coleman on her space flight.
- She began her shift communications on STS-47 with the Star Trek salute 'Hailing frequencies open'.
- Jemison auditioned at age 14 for the lead role of Maria in West Side Story and was selected as a background dancer.
- She served as head of the Black Students Union at Stanford University.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Mae Jemison's background before her spaceflight?
Before joining NASA, Jemison built a career spanning both engineering and medicine. Her combined training in science and healthcare helped qualify her for the astronaut corps.
What fields is Mae Jemison known for?
Jemison's work spans engineering, medicine, and astronautics. That multidisciplinary background made her a distinctive figure in the history of the U.S. space program.
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