On this week’s 51%, we hear about the leading ladies of spaceflight and a reporter examines the psychological impacts of climate change.
When we think of spaceflight our minds may drum up the names Alan Shepard or John Glenn. Rarely are women like Jackie Cochran or Jerrie Cobb spotlighted. In her new book, “Fighting For Space: Two Pilots and Their Historic Battle For Female Spaceflight,” author and historian Amy Teiteldoes shine that spotlight. Through the lives of two women trailblazers, a generation apart, Teitel introduces readers to the fight for women in space. Teitel spoke with 51%’s Elizabeth Hill, saying the fight for women in space really was Jackie Cochran’s story, because she had a hand in everything.
“Fighting For Space: Two Pilots and Their Historic Battle For Female Spaceflight,” is published by Grand Central Publishing.
And now a woman scientist connected with space gets the recognition she deserves.
A Woman and Pluto
Every year, the Carey Institute for Global Good in rural Albany County hosts journalists and documentarians from around the globe through its Logan Nonfiction Program. Its latest residencies wrapped just as the coronavirus pandemic took hold, with fellows researching subjects ranging from the U.S. prison system to World War II. 51%’s Jesse King stopped by the campus in Rensselaerville, New York to speak with reporter Rachel Riederer.
To hear Jesse King’s piece from the Carey Institute for Global Good’s Logan Nonfiction Program about a film focusing on women outside the U.S. prison system but connected to those within, visit 51% show #1606.
And here are a few closing tidbits… A number of Democratic fundraisers are behind the Committee to Draft Michelle Obama for vice president. They’re calling on the party’s presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, who served as vp to Barack Obama, to choose the former first lady. Biden has commented that he would select Michelle Obama as his running mate “in a heartbeat” but doesn’t think she’s interested in occupying the White House again. The Committee says she is a trusted leader and strong symbol of unity within the Democratic Party and would be a vital asset for Biden. The Committee will end up backing whoever Biden chooses, and Biden has committed to selecting a woman.
Dame Judi Dench has made history as the oldest person to be featured on the cover of British Vogue. The 85-year-old Oscar winner is photographed for the magazine's June issue.
That’s our show for this week. Thanks to Tina Renick for production assistance. Our executive producer is Dr. Alan Chartock. Our theme music is Glow in the Dark by Kevin Bartlett. This show is a national production of Northeast Public Radio. If you’d like to hear this show again, sign up for our podcast, or visit the 51% archives on our web site at wamc.org. And follow us on Twitter @51PercentRadio
