Happy birthday! Mae Jemison turns 69 today

Mae Jemison is celebrating her 69th birthday today. As a number of online tributes attest, she is one of the most acclaimed astronauts of her generation.

Popular astronaut-scientist Mae Jemison has always liked to keep a bit of herself hidden from view. At 69th birthday, she remains a woman of many facets.

Jemison, a cultural icon

Born Mae Carol Jemison in Decatur on October 17, 1956, her career spans an arc over many different eras and tastes in American history. Jemison's not just a great astronaut, she's an inspiration, an icon and a successful business woman. At this point in her career, there seems to be little Mae hasn't done.

And we've got a feeling the next 12 months are going to be even bigger and better for Mae Jemison as she promises more to come. After all, she's only 69.

Happy Birthday, Mae, you're the best!

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