Ronald McNair

In honor of Black History Month, every school day The Cardinal will feature a prominent and/or historical Black American, living or dead, who has worked toward change, advancement, and/or world peace. Some of them are heroes, and some are unsung heroes, who deserve recognition, and have made a contributions to make society a better place.

February 1, 2024

Ronald McNair was born October 21, 1950, in Lake City, South Carolina. He is best known as a physicist and NASA astronaut who was one of the crew of the Challenger space shuttle.

Most people do not know that in the summer of 1959, a South Carolina librarian told a young McNair that he could not check out books from the segregated library. He refused to leave and sat on a counter. The police and his mother were called, and McNair was allowed to check out the books. Ironically, that library is now named after him.

In 1976, McNair received a PhD degree in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology under the guidance of Michael Feld, becoming nationally recognized for his work in the field of laser physics. That same year, McNair won the AAU Karate gold medal. He would subsequently win five regional championships and earn a fifth-degree black belt in karate.

McNair flew as a mission specialist on STS-41-B aboard Challenger from February 3 to 11, 1984, becoming the second African American to fly in space. Sadly, on January 28, 1986, McNair and six crew members were killed when the Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated nine miles above the Atlantic Ocean, 73 seconds after liftoff.

McNair was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 2004, along with all crew members lost in the Challenger and Columbia disasters.

About the Contributor

Oliver Almeida-Renteria, Junior Editor

Oliver Almeida has been at Hoover High School for three years. He is a junior in the ALMA academy. He likes to go out with his friends and with his partner. He hopes this year is way better than last year, and also excited to reach goals and that everything goes well as planned for this year.

Currently his favorite classes are chemistry and yearbook because they are interesting and complicated for a challenge. Apart from that, there are always people who he enjoys and helps in classes and likes to have fun. His favorite colors are brown and black, because they are good clothing combinations and very solid . His favorite shows are Never Have I Ever and Shameless. They are very good to watch, when you have time" His two favorite movies are Cars 2 and Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift.

He is very grateful for my teachers who always try to help him, such as Mrs. Teuthorn and also Mr.Heu. This semester he is focusing on school but also on himself. Because sometimes you have to think of yourself. He does think of others, but if you also need to be smart sometimes and put yourself first.

" Always expect the best from you ." ~ Oliver