KATHERINE JOHNSON (1918-2020)
The length and width of mathematical black excellence in Katherine Johnson’s life is an authentic testimony to the world how hidden figures and hidden colors are left out of American history. Katherine Johnson’s legacy will be in the belly of longevity. Katherine Johnson’s algebraic genius for numbers was as deep as the Pacific Ocean. Katherine was an African American mathematician who worked for NASA during 1950-1980. She accurately calculated the mathematics for the Apollo 11. Katherine Johnson, along with a group of other black girls that rocked, successfully worked that black girl magic as black women in the space program. Hidden Figures is an exceptional movie about Katherine Johnson’s life. Taraji P. Henson efficaciously played Katherine in the movie. If you haven’t watched that movie (Hidden Figures) I highly recommend it. I know you have a little time now.
Giving homage to a woman like Mrs. Katherine Johnson’s love, light, and legacy is imperative to the history of black folks. I had no clue of these black women working for NASA. When I saw the movie I thought this was critical to share with the children in my community. Why didn't we know this? This is why it was called Hidden Figures. You are responsible for educating your own children about their history. No one else is going to do it! Mrs. Katherine Johnson and the rest of her African American sisters at NASA, laid a solid foundation of representation for other women like Mae Jemison and your scholar STEM babies. Johnson not only changed the historical trajectory of black women in math and science doing Jim Crow, she also overcame all of the segregation and discrimination she faced in a white male dominated field. One thing she taught us is knowledge is more potent than someone disliking you because of your skin color. The black women who worked for NASA had a skill that was needed. When you have a proficiency that other people need you will always be a marketable asset.
Katherine Johnson died this year in the month of February (2020). She was the only living legend able to see a movie depicting her career at NASA, out of the other two women (Mary Jackson & Dorothy Vaughan) that worked closely by her side. Johnson (Taraij P. Henson), Jackson (Janelle Monáe), and Vaughan (Olivia Spencer), all starred in the film Hidden Figures. They were the main characters in the film. These jazzy women were known as live computers with high heels and a fancy for fearlessness. They overcame all the sexism and racism! They managed to do their jobs fluently in their purpose as they helped astronauts safely journey into space and back. Katherine Johnson definitely had that gone-girl magic!
Giving homage to a woman like Mrs. Katherine Johnson’s love, light, and legacy is imperative to the history of black folks. I had no clue of these black women working for NASA. When I saw the movie I thought this was critical to share with the children in my community. Why didn't we know this? This is why it was called Hidden Figures. You are responsible for educating your own children about their history. No one else is going to do it! Mrs. Katherine Johnson and the rest of her African American sisters at NASA, laid a solid foundation of representation for other women like Mae Jemison and your scholar STEM babies. Johnson not only changed the historical trajectory of black women in math and science doing Jim Crow, she also overcame all of the segregation and discrimination she faced in a white male dominated field. One thing she taught us is knowledge is more potent than someone disliking you because of your skin color. The black women who worked for NASA had a skill that was needed. When you have a proficiency that other people need you will always be a marketable asset.
Katherine Johnson died this year in the month of February (2020). She was the only living legend able to see a movie depicting her career at NASA, out of the other two women (Mary Jackson & Dorothy Vaughan) that worked closely by her side. Johnson (Taraij P. Henson), Jackson (Janelle Monáe), and Vaughan (Olivia Spencer), all starred in the film Hidden Figures. They were the main characters in the film. These jazzy women were known as live computers with high heels and a fancy for fearlessness. They overcame all the sexism and racism! They managed to do their jobs fluently in their purpose as they helped astronauts safely journey into space and back. Katherine Johnson definitely had that gone-girl magic!
