biography

(*Motorcycle sound effect Harley Davidson, Bessie's motorcycle of choice*) There was nothing that Bessie Stringfield loved more than her Harley-Davidson motorcycle and the open road! African-American motorcyclist Bessie Stringfield was the first Black woman to ride alone across the United States starting in the 1930s. Bessie visited and rode her motorcycle along 48 states during her eight trips across the country. Bessie chose to ride along a different road than most women at the time. During the 1930s, people thought it was improper for women to ride motorcycles.

Maria Tallchief was the first American prima ballerina and the first Native American or Indigenous prima ballerina! What does it mean to be a prima ballerina? Maria Tallchief was the best dancer, and brought great fame to herself and her ballet company. Since "prima" is an Italian word that means "first," Maria performed all the lead roles in the ballets.

"Six, five, four…" the main engines of the space shuttle Endeavour started with a deafening roar and the shuttle began to shake and vibrate. "Three, two, one…" the astronauts aboard the Endeavour, resting on their backs with their feet above their heads with hope and excitement! "Zero, blast off!" The space shuttle Endeavour soared upward with such a great force that Dr. Mae Jemison was pushed back into her seat so she couldn't move or speak.