Mae Jemison, who was the first African American woman to go to space, is alive and doing fine. There was fake news going around on social media recently that she had died on February 5, 2024, at the age of 67, because of a stroke. But, Jemison’s spokespersons and people from NASA have said that this news is not true, and she is healthy.
Who is Mae Jemison?
Mae Jemison is an engineer, doctor, and former astronaut with NASA. In 1992, she made history by becoming the first African American woman to go to space. She was part of the space shuttle Endeavour’s crew, where she did experiments on weightlessness and motion sickness. She spent over 190 hours in space and returned to Earth on September 20, 1992.
Born on October 17, 1956, in Decatur, Alabama, Jemison moved to Chicago with her family when she was three. She became interested in science and space exploration at a young age, inspired by the TV show Star Trek and the actress Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Uhura. Jemison graduated from Stanford University in 1977 with degrees in chemical engineering and African American studies. Later, in 1981, she earned her medical degree from Cornell University.
This #BlackHistoryMonth we celebrate and honor Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel to space. Her story can inspire young girls everywhere to pursue their interests in the arts, science, and technology.
Learn more about her here: https://t.co/pRFOBxGoPc pic.twitter.com/ARUfAsO5HW— EDC (@EDCtweets) February 1, 2024
After working as a general doctor in Los Angeles, Jemison served as a medical officer with the Peace Corps in West Africa. There, she took care of the health of Peace Corps and U.S. embassy staff and took part in various research projects, including one for a hepatitis B vaccine. In 1987, she applied to NASA and was chosen as one of 15 astronauts from 2,000 applicants. She finished her training as a mission specialist in 1988 and, in 1992, became the first African American woman assigned to a space shuttle crew.
What is the source of the death hoax?
The false news about Mae Jemison’s death started from a fake news website that published an article on February 5, 2024, with the headline “NASA Astronaut Mae Jemison Dies at 67.” According to the article, Jemison had a stroke and passed away at a hospital in Houston, Texas. The piece also included a made-up quote from NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, praising Jemison as a pioneer and inspiring figure for girls and women in space exploration. People shared the article on social media, thinking it was true or to honor Jemison.
However, it’s important to note that the website behind this news is known for spreading false and misleading information. It has no connection to NASA or any reliable news source. The website even has a disclaimer stating that it is for entertainment purposes only and that its content is fictional. This website has previously posted fake death stories about other celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Morgan Freeman, and Dwayne Johnson.
How did Jemison and NASA respond to the death hoax?
Mae Jemison and NASA quickly dismissed the false news about Jemison’s death, assuring the public that she is alive and well. Jemison personally addressed the hoax in a video on her Twitter account on February 6, 2024, stating that she is fine and the reports of her death are untrue. She urged people not to believe, share, or spread the false information and thanked her fans for their concern. Jemison emphasized the importance of checking facts before believing online information.
NASA also released an official statement on its website and social media, condemning the death hoax as a “malicious and irresponsible act.” The statement confirmed that Jemison is not deceased and highlighted her significance as a valued member of the NASA family and a role model for aspiring astronauts and scientists. NASA praised Jemison for her accomplishments and contributions to the space program and society, expressing gratitude for her ongoing support of NASA’s missions and goals.
What are Jemison’s current activities and plans?
Mae Jemison left NASA in 1993 and started a technology research company, The Jemison Group, focusing on innovative solutions for healthcare, education, and environmental issues. She also founded a non-profit called The Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, promoting scientific literacy among students and teachers. Through the foundation, she leads the 100 Year Starship project, aiming for human interstellar travel within the next century with funding from DARPA.
Aside from her ventures, Jemison has authored books for both children and adults, appeared on TV, including an episode of Star Trek in 1993, fulfilling a childhood dream. She has featured in documentaries and remains an active advocate for STEM education, particularly for girls and women of color. Jemison has received numerous awards for her leadership and achievements.
Despite a recent death hoax, Jemison is alive and well, continuing to inspire others. Her interest in going to Mars and her encouragement for young people to pursue their dreams highlight her optimistic and forward-thinking outlook. Jemison’s contributions to humanity make her a living legend deserving of respect and admiration. The death rumor was false, and her legacy stands strong.