No.71: Dr. Mae Jemison
Episode Transcript
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Some people look up at the stars and dream—others take that dream and turn it into reality. Dr. Mae Jemison didn’t just aim high; she broke through the stratosphere, redefining what’s possible.
Welcome back to the “100 Historic Black Women You Should Know By Election Day Series.” I’m Shae, a Harvard PhD Candidate, here to guide you through the incredible journeys of Black women who have reshaped history.
Today, we're diving into the remarkable life of Dr. Mae Jemison, a woman who defied gravity in more ways than one. Born in Alabama, in 1956, Mae Jemison was a curious child who loved dancing and science fiction. But she wasn’t just imagining herself in space—she was determined to get there. She graduated from high school at just 16. She went to Stanford University where she became president of the Black Student Union and continued her love of dancing.
In 1977 she earned two Bachelor’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and African American Studies. After earning her M.D. from Cornell University in 1981 and working as a general practitioner and Peace Corps medical officer, Jemison set her sights on something even bigger: becoming an astronaut.
In 1992, she made history as the first Black woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. But Jemison’s accomplishments don’t stop there. She’s also an engineer, a physician, a former professor, and an advocate for science education—especially for girls of color.
Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that Mae Jemison appeared on an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation? She’s the first real-life astronaut to do so, fulfilling a childhood dream of hers to be on the iconic show!
If you enjoyed learning about Dr. Mae Jemison’s incredible journey, make sure to follow this podcast and rate it 5 stars so more people can hear these amazing stories. And don’t forget to follow me on social media and subscribe to my YouTube channel for even more inspiring content. Your support helps bring these historic women’s stories to the forefront—right where they belong.
