From Sharecropper To Scientist: Discover the Inspiring Journey of Triumph and Unyielding Persistence

The story of Dr. Mae Jemison is one that encapsulates the inherent power of human potential and highlights the remarkable progress we can achieve through unwavering determination. From humble beginnings as a sharecropper's daughter in Alabama to becoming the first African-American woman in space, the trajectory of Dr. Jemison's life is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit.

A Journey Rooted in Adversity

Born in Decatur, Alabama in 1956, Mae Jemison's early life was characterized by the cruel realities of racial segregation and economic hardship. Her parents, Charlie and Dorothy Jemison, were farmers who worked tirelessly in the fields to make ends meet. The arduous conditions of sharecropping made it clear to Mae Jemison from an early age that education was her ticket to a better life.

From Sharecropper to Scientist: The Memoir of Thomas Wyatt Turner Ph.D. (1877-1978)

by Marilyn Wenzke Nickels (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20574 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	257 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Driven by an insatiable curiosity and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Mae Jemison excelled in school despite the limited resources available to her. She displayed an exceptional aptitude for science and mathematics, which caught the attention of her teachers and community members. Recognizing her potential, they encouraged her to pursue a career in the sciences.

Breaking Barriers and Overcoming Obstacles

In 1973, Mae Jemison enrolled at Stanford University, where she pursued a double major in chemical engineering and African-American studies. As one of the few African-American students in her field, she encountered various forms of discrimination and prejudice. However, Jemison refused to let these obstacles deter her, using them as fuel to excel further.

After graduating from Stanford, Jemison attended Cornell Medical College, where she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree. She subsequently worked as a general practitioner and even served in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone and Liberia. It was during this time that her passion for space exploration was ignited, leading her to apply to NASA's astronaut training program.

A Pioneer in Space Exploration

In 1987, Mae Jemison was selected as one of the fifteen candidates out of thousands to join NASA's astronaut corps. This historic achievement made her the first African-American woman to be admitted into the prestigious program. Five years later, on September 12, 1992, Dr. Jemison made history once again by becoming the first African-American woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

During her eight-day mission, Dr. Jemison conducted various experiments that aimed to expand scientific knowledge and pave the way for future space exploration. Her accomplishments in the field of science and her trailblazing journey have inspired countless individuals from all walks of life to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they face.

A Legacy of Inspiration and Empowerment

Following her resignation from NASA in 1993, Dr. Mae Jemison founded the Jemison Group, a technology consulting firm that seeks to integrate science and technology into everyday life. She has also dedicated her time to advocating for the advancement of science education and encouraging young people, particularly girls and those from underrepresented communities, to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Dr. Jemison's life serves as a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of human achievement. From her humble beginnings as a sharecropper's daughter to her incredible accomplishments as a scientist and astronaut, she has shattered barriers and opened doors for countless individuals striving to make their mark on the world. Her journey reminds us that with persistence, passion, and unwavering belief in oneself, anything is possible.

So let the story of Dr. Mae Jemison embolden and inspire you to reach for the stars, just as she did.

From Sharecropper to Scientist: The Memoir of Thomas Wyatt Turner Ph.D. (1877-1978)

by Marilyn Wenzke Nickels (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20574 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	257 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Thomas Wyatt Turner (1877-1978), born the son of sharecroppers, became the first African American to earn the Ph.D. degree in botany in the United States. As a scientist and educator, Turner fervently believed that African American students, regardless of background and future occupation, should be grounded in science and mathematics to succeed in the technological future of the 20th century. He made science relevant and practical in the classroom with experimental methods and real life applications that convinced his high school and college students-- male and female --of their ability to master these disciplines. Turner was 100 years ahead of his time as a proponent of STEM education.
From boyhood dreams, struggles and sometimes humorous tales in Southern Maryland, the story moves to early student days at Howard University, then teaching at Tuskegee Institute, as well as Baltimore and St. Louis segregated high schools. Turner returns to Howard as a professor and early member of the NAACP and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, then moves to Hampton Institute as it struggles to become a four- year institution. His wide ranging professional collaboration with other African American scientists, as well as renowned academics in the United States and Europe provided his students with a model of teamwork so critical in today’s world. At the same time, the memoir reflects his own strong views on the institutions, colleagues and issues in his educational environments, as well as his active role in the civil rights struggles of his time.