~Today in 1996 Bernard Harris , First Black to walk in space...

Trip to the stars rooted in history
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First black astronaut to walk in space sees vast importance of space exploration

February 24, 1996
Web posted: 3:35 p.m. EST

From Correspondent Kathy Nellis

HOUSTON, Texas (CNN) -- In February 1995, Bernard Harris, Jr., made history. One of only seven black astronauts, he was the first black astronaut to walk in space.

A year later, as the U.S. celebrates Black History Month, Harris reflected on his accomplishment, and pondered the future of space exploration.
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"To be the first was great, it really was," he said. "But to me, it signifies that there would be many more behind me.

For Harris, the experience was a high point of a journey that began years ago. From the time he was eight-years-old, he dreamed of becoming an astronaut.

On the way to his dream, he reached many other personal goals -- pilot, flight surgeon, scientist, mission specialist. As Harris explained, his dream -- his trip to the stars -- had its roots in history.

"I think it's kind of ironic," he said. "When we look at history itself, you realize that astronomy -- the study of the stars -- that whole origin ... (was) being done by people from Africa. And now I get to fly amongst those same stars."


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