In honor of Black History Month let’s take a moment to learn about and celebrate Black “HERstory.”  There have been so many amazing accomplishments by black women throughout the ages.  Have you heard of the woman who reached for the stars? 

Mae C. Jemison was the first African-American woman in space.  She had the double distinction of also being the first African-American woman admitted to NASA’s astronaut training program. Aboard the Endeavour Jemison achieved her lifelong dream when she launched into space in 1992.  Flying high for eight days, Jemison conducted experiments on weightlessness and motion sickness before landing safely back on Earth.

Although it seems Mae C. Jemison was destined for greatness, it did not come without hard work and dedication.  She came from humble beginnings as the youngest daughter of a roofer/carpenter and an elementary school teacher.  But with support from her family and extraordinary focus and determination she forged her record-setting path.  Despite her historic accomplishment, being an astronaut does not define Jemison.  She holds many distinctions: engineer, medical doctor, astronaut, professor, dancer, and actor to name a few.   How many people do you know that had to make a choice in college between professional dancer and doctor?  Jemison had to make that choice – and now we all know how that decision turned out.