FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Secily Wilson
December 21, 2012407.895-8669
The Y Welcomes Former Astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison for
Martin Luther King Day Celebration
Thousands will unite to remember the man who asked: “What are you doing for others?”
ORLANDO, Fla.–Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American Woman in space, headlines the YMCA of Central Florida’s 23rd Annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday, January 21, 2013 -7:45 A.M. at First Baptist Church of Orlando –Faith Hall.
Dr. Jemison flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor and served six years as a NASA Astronaut.
After leaving NASA she founded the Jemison Group which explores and develops stand-alone science and technology programs and companies. She is also currently leading the 100 Year Starship, an initiative to assure the capability for human interstellar space travel to another star in the next 100 years. Jemison is also the Founder and President of two medical technology companies.
The YMCA of Central Florida is committed to improving the lives of all in Central Florida through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. “Dr. King devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice, and economic opportunity for all, and taught us that everyone has a role to play in making America what it ought to be,” said Jim Ferber, President of YMCA of Central Florida.
Each year, more than 1,000 civic leaders, pastors, elected officials and everyday citizens attend this event, which honors the legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy, one of Central Florida’s most beloved and influential civil rights leaders.
Proceeds from the event support the Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Scholarship Fund for Promising Teens.
The Jaycees of Southwest Orlando Junior Chapter is joining the Y of Central Florida in the celebration honoring Dr. King. More information about the Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast is available at ymcacentralflorida.com.
About the Y
The YMCA of Central Florida is one of the area’s largest nonprofits committed to strengthening the local communities it serves. It is a diverse organization of men, women and children joined by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. Each day 25,000 Central Florida residents are impacted by the Y when a mentor inspires a child, individuals make healthy choices and a community comes together for common good.In 2011, this YMCA Association of over 1,800 employees across 6 Florida counties impacted over 225,000 residents and invested, during a down economy, $10.2 million in its local communities through neighborhood improvement projects.Also, this Y provided $9.2 million in financial assistance to children and families that resulted in lasting personal and social change.
As the youngest of three children, Mae Jemison was born in Decatur, Alabama and was introduced to the world of science at an early age when her family moved to Chicago.
An avid student of astronomy and anthropology, she enrolled in Stanford University at the age of 16 and earned dual degrees in chemical engineering and African-American studies.
After graduating from Cornell UniversityMedical School, Dr. Jemison practiced medicine as a volunteer in Cambodia and with the Peace Corpsin West Africa.
And in 1992 she became the first African American woman to fly in space when she joined the crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Since leaving NASA, Dr. Jemison founded the Jemison Group, which develops science and technology programs. She also leads 100 Year Starship, an initiative to promote human interstellar space travel.
And she’s passionate about improving science literacy among youth here and abroad.
Did I mention that she’s also fluent in Russian, Japanese and Swahili?
Please welcome a remarkable woman and distinguished hero, Dr. Mae Jemison.
Mae Jemison was born in Decatur, Alabama on October 17, 1956. She was the youngest of three children. The Jemison family moved to Chicago when Mae was only three. It was in Chicago that an uncle introduced her to the world of science. At a very early age, Mae developed interests in anthropology, archaeology, and astronomy that she pursued throughout her childhood. Mae Jemison enrolled at Stanford University at the age of 16 and in 1977 graduated with degrees in both chemical engineering and Afro-American studies. She received a Doctor of Medicine degree from Cornell University in 1981. Dr. Jemison has practiced medicine as a volunteer in a Cambodian refugee camp and as a medical officer with the Peace Corps in West Africa. She was working as a general practitioner in Los Angeles, California when NASA selected her and 14 others for astronaut training. Dr. Jemison completed her training as a mission specialist with NASA in 1988. In September of 1992, as a mission specialist aboard the Shuttle Endeavour, Mae Jemison became the first African-American woman to enter space. In 1993, Dr. Jemison resigned from NASA and founded the Jemison Group, Inc. Among her current projects are several that focus on improving healthcare in Africa and advancing technology in developing countries.