Mae Jemison: The First Black Woman Astronaut and More Than a First

“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” - Mae Jemison

Mae Jemison’s life is often reduced to a single “first,” but her story is about far more than space.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INCZtKAfdxA

Mae Jemison isn't just the first Black woman in space, she's proof that our kids can dream bigger than the stars and actually get there. As a Black mom raising curious little ones in Chicago, I love sharing stories like hers with Tellers Untold because she shows our babies that brilliance looks like them.

From Alabama Roots to Chicago Dreams

Born October 17, 1956, in Decatur, Alabama, Mae moved to Chicago at age 3 for better schools, her parents knew education was the ticket out. By kindergarten, she was devouring astronomy books in the library, dreaming of astronauts while other kids played. At Morgan Park High School, she graduated with honors at 16, already set on biomedical engineering.

Stanford Genius at 16, Doctor by 25

A National Achievement Scholar, Mae attended Stanford University, where she earned degrees in chemical engineering and African American studies. She later received her medical degree from Cornell University in 1981. While studying abroad in Cuba, Kenya, and Thailand's refugee camps, she volunteered everywhere, proving smarts + heart change the world.

Mae Jemison

Peace Corps Doctor Before Rockets

Fresh out of med school, Mae joined Peace Corps as medical officer in Sierra Leone and Liberia (1983-1985). Treated rabies, schistosomiasis, even Hepatitis B vaccines, real hero work in West Africa. Watching Sally Ride's 1983 flight? That lit her NASA fire.

First Black Woman Astronaut: 1992 History Made

Applied to NASA in 1985, selected 1987 from 2,000 applicants post-Challenger. Trained as mission specialist, flew STS-47 on Endeavour September 12, 1992, 8 days orbiting Earth. Conducted 43 experiments on bone loss, frog eggs, space sickness. At 36, she floated with pure joy, saying "I always assumed I'd go into space."

Life After Orbit: Building Futures

Left NASA 1993 for Dartmouth teaching, founded Jemison Group for tech innovation, BioSentient for health devices, Dorothy Jemison Foundation for STEAM camps. Leads DARPA's 100 Year Starship, human travel to other stars by 2112. Author, speaker, Star Trek: Next Generation guest star (huge for sci-fi loving kids!).

Why Mae Matters for Our Kids

Mae Jemison tells Black girls everywhere: engineering + medicine + space = possible. Her story crushes "you can't" lies, perfect for your classroom or family talks. Check our Kid Professors video series for more Black excellence!

Mae Jemison’s story reminds us that science, imagination, and representation belong together.

Sources: NASA.gov, Biography.com, Britannica