![]() Suddenly, these overlooked math whizzes had a shot at jobs worthy of their skills, and they answered Uncle Sam’s call, moving to Hampton, Virginia and the fascinating, high-energy world of the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory. Originally relegated to teaching math in the South’s segregated public schools, they were called into service during the labor shortages of World War II, when America’s aeronautics industry was in dire need of anyone who had the right stuff. Among these problem-solvers were a group of exceptionally talented African American women, some of the brightest minds of their generation. Before John Glenn orbited the earth, or Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, a group of dedicated female mathematicians known as “human computers” used pencils, slide rules and adding machines to calculate the numbers that would launch rockets, and astronauts, into space. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kirsten Dunst, and Kevin Costner. Soon to be a major motion picture starring Taraji P. The #1 New York Times bestseller The phenomenal true story of the black female mathematicians at NASA whose calculations helped fuel some of America’s greatest achievements in space. Hidden Figures: The American Dream And The Untold Story Of The Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win The Space Race With a strong work ethic, NASA is lucky to have her as an employee. She is full of wit, helping to bring laughter to her friends who face so much stress. With her friends, she is always first to say what is on her mind even if that might get her in trouble. Mary carries herself with confidence and poise. Mary stands up for their rights, saying “no crime being Negro.” After their car broke down, they were accosted by a police officer with a club in his hand. On top of the challenges she faces at work, she and her black girlfriends can’t even go for a drive. confronting discrimination in all aspects of her life. He’d prefer that she stays home so she can properly take care of their children.Ĭhallenge. ![]() He tells her that the deck is stacked against her, and she doesn’t have a chance of becoming an engineer. Mary’s husband, Levi, is a civil-rights activist. In their time off, they like to cut loose and dance. spending time with her two best friends at NASA, Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughn. Frustrated, Mary complains, “Every time we have a chance to get ahead, they move the finish line.” One roadblock she’s facing is that she needs a formal certification as an engineer, but she can’t go to school to get certified because it is for whites only. She works With a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physical science, Mary wants to eventually become an engineer for NASA-a position that no black woman has ever held. mathematician at NASA’s Langley Research Center. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |