Since the theme for Black History Month this year is Celebrating Our sisters, I decided to write about Dr. Mae C. Jemison, a true pioneer and an inspiration to millions. During her lifetime, she has left an unforgettable mark on both our scientific and cultural understanding of the world and outer universe. As the first African American woman to travel to space, her life’s journey serves as a testament to the power of determination, intellect, and hard work.
Born on October 17, 1956, Decatur, Alabama, Jemison’s passion for science and exploration of the sky began at an early age. With the encouragement of her parents, she excelled academically and developed a deep fascination with the stars. This passion led her to pursue a degree in chemical engineering at Stanford University, where she graduated with honours in 1977.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Jemison embarked on a path less travelled. She joined the Peace Corps regiment, training and serving as a medical officer in Sierra Leone and Liberia for two years and in turn learning Swahili, Japanese and Russian. This experience exposed her to the challenges faced by many marginalized communities and ultimately sparked her commitment to making a difference in the world. Upon her return to the US, Jemison began to relive her fascination in space while following the story of Sally Ride (the first American woman in space). She finally decided to apply for the astronaut programme with NASA in 1985.
Jemison managed to progress through the rigorous selection process (despite the fact that there were almost no women of colour in the field) and subsequently became one of a chosen 15 candidates to join the STS-47 space shuttle crew.
On September 12, 1992, aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, Jemison made history as the first African American woman to journey into space. During her eight-day mission, she conducted experiments on weightlessness and motion sickness, contributing valuable research to the NASA and the wider scientific community.
Though Jemison’s accomplishments were already great, they extend far beyond her space mission. Not only is she a highly accomplished physician (graduating from Cornell university), she is also an ardent advocate for education and diversity in STEM fields. For example, she founded the Jemison Group (a technology consulting firm), the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence (aiming to promote education and opportunities for children), had an asteroid named in her honour (5261 Jemison) and has featured in the National Women’s Hall of Fame. These are just a few of her many accomplishments from throughout her lifetime.
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Mae C. Jemison, it is clear that her impact reaches far beyond her ground-breaking space mission. She has shattered glass ceilings, defied expectations, and paved the way for future generations of scientists, astronauts, and explorers.
