Douglas (Bronzeville) in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Dr. Mae Jemison
1957
| | Bronzeville Walk of Fame | |
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026
1. Dr. Mae Jemison Marker
Erected 1996 by City of Chicago.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Air & Space • Women. In addition, it is included in the Bronzeville Walk of Fame series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1957.
Location. 41° 50.311′ N, 87° 37.056′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Douglas (Bronzeville). It is at the intersection of East 31st Street and South Martin Luther King, on the right when traveling west on East 31st Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chicago IL 60616, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: John Jack Johnson (a few steps from this marker); Corneal Davis (within shouting distance of this marker); Margaret Goss Burroughs (within shouting distance of this marker); Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Theresa Needham (about 400 feet away); Ferdinand Lee Barnett (about 700 feet away); Dr. J.B. Martin (about 700 feet away); John Lee Williamson (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.
More about this marker. The marker is part of the Bronzeville Walk of Fame, a 1996
this page online
Mae Jemison is quite likely the last person alive (as of 2026) who was honored with plaque on the Bronzeville Walk of Fame.
Regarding Dr. Mae Jemison. Mae Jemison was born in Alabama (in 1956, according to most sources, not 1957 as stated on this plaque) but moved with her family to Chicago as a young child. She grew up in Woodlawn, about three miles south of here, and then moved to the far-south-side Morgan Park neighborhood, where she attended Morgan Park High School.
The first Black male astronaut is also from Chicago, and also honored on the Bronzeville Walk of Fame. Robert H. Lawrence has a plaque at 35th Street and MLK Drive.
Also see . . . Dr. Mae Jemison: A Dancer Among the Stars. A profile of Dr. Jemison from the Chicago History Museum.
Excerpt: In 1992, when Dr. Mae Jemison became the first Black woman to travel into space, she fulfilled one childhood dream while highlighting another interestdance. Both of these lifelong passions began while growing up in Chicago.(Submitted on May 13, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 13, 2026
2. Dr. Mae Jemison Marker at 31st and MLK Drive
Courtesy of NASA, September 1992
3. Mae Jemison aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992
Mae Jemison served as a mission specialist aboard the Endeavor in September 1992, becoming the first African American woman to go to space. The crew conducted microgravity experiments.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 15 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 13, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 3. submitted on May 14, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
