Mae Jemison, First Black Woman in Space, Calls Out CBS Anchor for Saying ‘Mankind’ During All-Women Spaceflight Discussion

Mae Jemison Corrects Language During CBS Interview

Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space, didn’t hold back during a live CBS News segment. She called out anchor Vladimir Duthiers for using the word “mankind” while discussing an all-female space mission.

Duthiers asked her why space travel benefits “mankind.” Jemison immediately stepped in to correct him.
“First of all, it benefits humankind,” she said.
She added, “I’m going to keep correcting the ‘mankind,’ the ‘manmade,’ and the ‘manned’ missions.”

Her bold response sparked conversation across social media, as many applauded her for addressing outdated language.

Language Shapes Who Belongs in Space

Jemison didn’t just correct a word—she made a point about inclusion. She explained that using words like “mankind” can limit how people see space exploration.

“This is exactly what this mission is about,” she said.
“It’s expanding the perception of who does space.”

Her comment came during coverage of a groundbreaking all-women spaceflight with Blue Origin. For Jemison, language matters. It shows who gets seen—and who doesn’t—in stories about progress.

All-Women Blue Origin Crew Makes Headlines

On Monday morning, Blue Origin launched a six-woman crew into space from West Texas. The team included pop star Katy Perry, Gayle King from CBS, and rocket scientist Aisha Bowe.

They spent 11 minutes in space. During the flight, the crew experienced zero gravity and shared moments of pure joy. Screams and laughter echoed in the capsule.

When they returned to Earth, Perry kissed the Texas dirt. Others followed her lead, clearly moved by the once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Katy Perry and Team Celebrate Historic Moment

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, also flew on the mission. She hugged Bezos moments after landing. Meanwhile, Perry held a daisy flower as she stepped out of the capsule.

“It is the highest high,” she said afterward.
“It is surrender to the unknown, trust. I couldn’t recommend this experience more.”

The mission marked a shift—not just in who goes to space, but how the world talks about it. Jemison’s correction reminded viewers that space is for everyone, and the words we use should reflect that truth.

Mae Jemison’s Legacy Still Inspires

In 1992, Dr. Mae Jemison made history when she boarded the Space Shuttle Endeavour. She became the first Black woman in space, changing what children saw as possible.

Now, decades later, she’s still pushing for change—this time through language. Her comments on live television reminded the world that every word counts.

Whether correcting “mankind” or highlighting the diversity of space travelers, Jemison continues to inspire future generations of scientists and dreamers.