BUCKiT® #15-Mae Jemison: First Female African-American Astronaut

On June 4, 1987, Dr. Mae Jemison was one of 15 selected for the prestigious NASA’s astronaut training program. On September 12, 1992, Jemison flew into space with six other astronauts aboard the Endeavour on Mission STS47, becoming the first African-American woman in space. At just 16 years old, Jemison attended Stanford University and studied chemical engineering and Afro-American Studies. After graduating Cornell University medical school, she managed the entire health care program for the Peace Corps working in Cambodian refugee camps and in West Africa – BUT Mae couldn’t let go of her burning desire to go into space. A cold call to a receptionist at the Johnson Space Center changed all that. Mae Jemison was about to make history.