When I last posted my Star Trek speedpaints I got a suggestion for Lily Sloane (Alfre Woodard) from First Contact
I also added Lieutenant Palmer (Dr. Mae Jemison) - Dr. Jemison was invited to cameo on TNG by LeVar Burton. She was the first black woman in space, aboard the Endeavour
I'm still so behind on the new Treks but I recently finished the 2nd season of Disco, and gotta say I kind of love it ^^
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Mae Carol Jemison
(born October 17, 1956) is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut.
She became the first African-American woman to travel into space
When she served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992.
Jemison joined NASA's astronaut corps in 1987 and was selected to serve for the STS-47 mission, during which the Endeavour orbited the Earth for nearly eight days on September 12–20, 1992.
She was chosen out of roughly 2,000 applicants for 15 slots in NASA Astronaut Group 12, the first selected after Challenger.
The Associated Press covered her as the "first black woman astronaut" in 1987.
In 1993, Jemison appeared as Lieutenant Palmer in "Second Chances", an episode of the science fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, becoming the first real astronaut to appear on Star Trek.
Jemison served on the board of directors of the World Sickle Cell Foundation from 1990 to 1992.
Jemison continues to advocate strongly in favor of science education and getting minority students interested in science.
Read more about her here!
(All sources from this wiki article)
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Black Astronauts
Yesterday I was at the Natural History Museum with my ten year old daughter and we saw the Space movie - - for the umpteenth time. It never gets old. So I was inspired to highlight black astronauts and black people in space.
From Perplexity:
Here are some famous black astronauts:
Robert H. Lawrence Jr.
He was the first Black astronaut selected for a space program in June 1967. Tragically, he lost his life in an aircraft accident later that year[2].
Guion S. Bluford Jr.
In 1983, Bluford became the first African-American to travel to space, aboard the Challenger space shuttle. He later flew three additional shuttle missions[1].
Mae C. Jemison
She became the first Black woman to travel to space in 1992, aboard the space shuttle Endeavour[5].
Frederick D. Gregory
He became the first Black astronaut to pilot a space shuttle and later flew as the first Black commander of a space shuttle[2].
Ronald E. McNair
He was the second African American to fly in space and tragically lost his life in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986[5].
These astronauts have made significant contributions to space exploration and have inspired future generations with their achievements.
Citations:
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/16/us/african-american-astronauts.html
[2] https://www.nasa.gov/history/honoring-black-astronauts-during-black-history-month-2023/
[3] https://www.nasa.gov/history/honoring-african-americans-in-space/
[4] https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/african-american-achievement-nasa
[5] https://themarsgeneration.org/10-black-americans-who-made-extraordinary-contributions-to-space-exploration/
From Gemini:
America's Black Astronauts: Pioneering the Skies and Breaking Barriers
In the annals of African American history, the achievements of Black astronauts shine brightly. Overcoming societal barriers and racial prejudice, these individuals soared into the vast unknown, inspiring generations and proving that the pursuit of scientific exploration transcends earthly limitations. Let's celebrate some of America's most famous Black astronauts and their remarkable journeys:
Guion Bluford: In 1983, aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, Bluford became the first Black American in space. A fighter pilot and engineer, he logged four spaceflights, conducting scientific experiments and advocating for STEM education.
Ronald McNair: A physicist and astronaut, McNair followed Bluford into space in 1984. He perished tragically in the Challenger disaster of 1986, leaving behind a legacy of scientific contributions and dedication to education.
Frederick Gregory: Pilot and astronaut Gregory made history in 1985 as the first Black American to command a Space Shuttle mission. He flew on multiple missions and advocated for diversity in the STEM fields.
Charles Bolden: An accomplished pilot and Marine Corps Major General, Bolden became the first Black astronaut to lead NASA in 2009. He served eight years, overseeing historic missions like the final Space Shuttle flights and the launch of the Orion spacecraft.
Bernard Harris: Physician and astronaut Harris holds the record for most spacewalks by a Black American, logging seven missions throughout his career. He conducted crucial medical research and served as Chief of the Astronaut Office.
Stephanie Wilson: An engineer and astronaut, Wilson became the first Black woman to command the International Space Station in 2010. She flew on three Space Shuttle missions and remains a strong advocate for science education and diversity in STEM.
Joan Higginbotham: An engineer and astronaut, Higginbotham served as a mission specialist on two Space Shuttle missions, conducting scientific experiments and demonstrating the power of women and minorities in space exploration.
Victor Glover: A pilot and astronaut, Glover made history in 2020 as the first Black person to pilot a SpaceX Crew Dragon. He commanded an International Space Station mission and continues to inspire future generations.
Further Reading:
For Middle School Students:
Reaching for the Stars: The Inspiring Story of Mae Jemison, the First African American Woman in Space by Catherine Coleman
Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
Astronaut Annie by Jan Astronaut
Whoosh! Blast Off to the Moon by Paul Shifrin
Rocket Men: The Daring Pilots Who Took Us to the Moon by Robert Kurson
For High School Students:
Light Years: The Legacy of America's First Black Astronauts by Colin Stuart
Black Wings: The American Dream of Flight by Cheryl A. Hill
Carrying the Dream: The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen by Margot Lee Shetterly
An Astronaut's Guide to Earth by Thomas Pesquet
Packing for Mars: The Curious Science Behind Colonizing a New Planet by Mary Roach
These are just a few examples, and countless other books and resources chronicle the remarkable stories of Black astronauts. By learning about their journeys, we gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of Black Americans in science and technology, reminding us that the pursuit of knowledge and exploration knows no bounds.
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DR. MAE JEMISON // ASTRONAUT
“She was an engineer, physician and NASA astronaut, becoming the first black woman in space and first actual astronaut to appear on a Star Trek show. She also graduated from Stanford University with degrees in chemical engineering as well as African and African-American studies. She then earned her medical degree from Cornell University, being a doctor for the Peace Corps in Liberia and Sierra Leone from 1983 until 1985. She left NASA in 1993 and founded a technology research company.”
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