Has anyone told you to reach for the stars? In a way, that is what Dr. Mae Jemison did. Dr. Mae Carol Jemison was born on October 17, 1956, in Decatur, Alabama. After a few years in Alabama, her parents Charlie and Dorothy Jemison decided to migrate to Chicago.
Raised in Chicago, Dr. Jemison liked science, space, reading and dance. She attended Morgan Park High School. After graduating from college, she joined the Peace Corps where she learned about different cultures and people.
With a continued interest in space, Dr. Jemison decided to apply to the NASA astronaut program. After years of hard work, she became the first African American woman to be a part of NASA’s astronaut training program1987. Along with her STS-47 crew, she orbited space in the Endeavour in September 1992 making history by becoming the first African American woman in space.
In 1993, Dr. Jemison left NASA but continued to build opportunities of learning and support for others. She created a space camp called The Earth We Share, became a professor, founded Jemison Group Inc., created the 100-Year Starship initiative and became an author.
Dr. Mae Jemison is proof that the sky is the limit. Happy birthday 70th birthday Dr. Mae C. Jemison!
Inspired by Dr. Jemison's interest in space? Check out these books:
In Find Where the Wind Goes, Dr. Jemison provides an autobiographical account of her life. If you prefer graphic novels, learn about Dr. Jemison’s work and curiosity in Mae Jemison.
Get inspired by Mae Among the Stars. A perfect picture book which illustrates how a dream can become a reality.
Maybe you are not sure you can be an astronaut. Join Yasmin in Yasmin the Astronaut during her class trip as she figures out how to be a part of the space program.
Galaxy Camp at the National Center for Space may sound fun but in Rayana Johnson's Giant Leap, Rayana must overcome her anxiety struggles while dealing with normal adolescent mishaps.
Space camp is also the perfect place for Luciana to learn about what it takes to be an astronaut.
Finally, meet Bell in The Lion of Mars part of the 2026 One Book, Once Chicago for Kids. Is Bell like any other kid having lived in Mars for most of his life? After a virus outbreak gets the adults sick, what secrets can Bell and the other kids uncover?
What curiosities about space do you have? Have you ever thought about being an astronaut?
Add a comment to: Happy 70th Birthday Dr. Mae C. Jemison!