Astronaut MAE JEMISON flew as Mission Science Specialist on a seven day flight aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992. She was born in Decatur, Alabama on October 17, 1956 just as the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama, which launched the civil rights movement, was reaching its climax. Dr. Jemison entered Stanford University at the age of 16, graduating with a double major in African American Studies and Chemical Engineering.
Whereas Mae Jemison literally blasted off into space, OCTAVIA BUTLER not only took off into the cosmos, she traveled backwards and forwards in time, with the use of her mind. Octavia Butler was one of the greatest science fiction writers ever. She looked at race, gender and class from a variety of imagined, often scientifically grounded, allegorical settings. Her novel, Parable of the Talents, won the 1999 Nebula Award. Her short story, “Speech Sounds,” took the 1984 Hugo Award. The 1984 Nebula Award for Best Novellete went to her groundbreaking tale, Bloodchild.
SOPHIA STEWART is also a science fiction writer. However, she has not received much recognition. In fact, she is suing the producers of The Matrix films for using her manuscript, The Third Eye, to make the first Matrix. She also asserts that the Terminator series is based on her work. The matter has been in the courts for a number of years. For more information go to www.truthaboutmatrix.com Clearly, Mae Jemison, Octavia Butler and Sophia Stewart have let nothing keep them from reaching their fullest potential. Should we not follow their example?

This book is perfect for:
- Coffee table reference book
- Gifts for friends
- Kids & classrooms