On February 9, 1995, Bernard Harris made history by becoming the first Black individual to step into space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. His journey into space was influenced by his childhood experiences in Texas, where he spent hours gazing at stars. Harris faced significant challenges, including being an African American in a field dominated by white individuals, particularly during a time when the Apollo 11 moon landing was entwined with civil rights struggles.

Harris pursued a medical degree and completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic before joining NASA as a flight surgeon. His research at NASA focused on how human bones react during space travel, and he also designed a medical device to assist astronauts' bodies in adapting to the demands of space. In 1990, he was selected as part of NASA's 13th astronaut class, marking a pivotal moment in the history of diversity in the space program.

Throughout his career as an astronaut, Harris not only broke barriers but also contributed significantly to the understanding of human physiology in space. His historic spacewalk remains a source of inspiration and a testament to perseverance against the odds, paving the way for future generations of minority astronauts and highlighting the importance of diversity in STEM fields and space exploration.