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| Guion S. Bluford November 22, 1942 - |
Today's feature concerns yet another prominent African-American I'm sure most people are not familiar with, Guion S. Bluford. Bluford became the first African American to travel in space in 1983 as a mission specialist aboard the space shuttle Challenger. He was the first African-American in space, but second person of African descent-following Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez's journey into outer space.
Bluford is a Philadelphia native whom attended Overbrook Highschool--known for its notable African-American alumni, such as; Bill Cash, Phillip Allen, Wilt Chamberlain and Will Smith-who named his entertainment company after the high school. Bluford is Vietnam Veteran, who was a member of the United States Air Force. Bluford retired from NASA in 1993; and after a slue of engineering focused occupation he was inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame in 1997, then recently into the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame in 2010.
A prime of example that not only do African-Americans achieve greatness here on earth, they also attain excellence above and beyond the clouds, literally. Guion S Bluford is a dedicated veteran, engineer and an American, more importantly a reason why black history should be celebrated year 'round.(K*W)
