Hidden Figures unveils the incredible true story of three brilliant African American women—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who played pivotal roles at NASA during the Space Race. Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, their groundbreaking work in mathematics, computing, and engineering helped launch John Glenn into orbit. As they navigate personal and professional challenges, the book showcases their resilience and unyielding spirit. This captivating narrative not only highlights their contributions but also reflects the broader struggle for equality in America. Discover how these unsung heroines transformed the future of space exploration and inspired generations to come!
By Margot Lee Shetterly
Published: 2016
"Every time we make a mark on the wall, we are redefining the beauty of who we are."
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. Soon to be a major motion picture starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kirsten Dunst, and Kevin Costner. 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. Among these problem-solvers were a group of exceptionally talented African American women, some of the brightest minds of their generation. 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. 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. Even as Virginia’s Jim Crow laws required them to be segregated from their white counterparts, the women of Langley’s all-black “West Computing” group helped America achieve one of the things it desired most: a decisive victory over the Soviet Union in the Cold War, and complete domination of the heavens. Starting in World War II and moving through to the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement and the Space Race, Hidden Figures follows the interwoven accounts of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Christine Darden, four African American women who participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes. It chronicles their careers over nearly three decades they faced challenges, forged alliances and used their intellect to change their own lives, and their country’s future.
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“Every time we make a mark on the wall, we are redefining the beauty of who we are.”
Hidden Figures
By Margot Lee Shetterly
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Margot Lee Shetterly is an acclaimed author and researcher best known for her groundbreaking book, "Hidden Figures," which details the untold story of African American women mathematicians at NASA during the Space Race. Born and raised in Hampton, Virginia, she draws inspiration from her hometown's rich history and the contributions of women in science and technology. Shetterly's work has garnered widespread recognition, leading to a successful film adaptation that further amplified the legacy of these remarkable women. In addition to her writing, she is a passionate advocate for diversity in STEM fields and continues to speak on the importance of representation in all areas of society. Through her storytelling, Shetterly aims to inspire future generations to dream big and challenge the status quo.
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