Who was the first African American woman to fly in space?

• A. Mae Jemison
• B. Sharon Christa McAuliffe
• C. Kamala Harris
• D. Janelle Monáe

Answer: (A)

Mae Jemison was the first African American woman to fly in space. She made history on September 12, 1992, when she launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Jemison's journey to space was significant not only because of her groundbreaking status as an African American woman in a predominantly male field but also because she served as a role model for future generations of scientists and astronauts. Her accomplishments have inspired many in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The other individuals mentioned do not hold the same distinction. Sharon Christa McAuliffe was a teacher and the first private citizen selected to go to space, but she was not African American. Kamala Harris is known for her political career and became the first female Vice President of the United States, but she has not flown in space. Janelle Monáe is a talented musician and actress, but she is not an astronaut. Thus, Mae Jemison's achievement as the first African American woman in space stands out prominently in history.