Introduction
Summary of the book Bedtime Biography: Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly. Before we start, let’s delve into a short overview of the book. Imagine sitting quietly at dusk, listening to the hum of distant traffic and the soft rustle of leaves, while drifting into a story from a not-so-distant past. In this tale, we will meet brilliant women who worked hard, thought deeply, and conquered obstacles that many believed impossible to overcome. Their lives were entwined with America’s greatest challenges of the twentieth century—World War II, the rapid growth of aircraft technology, and the thrilling race into space. Though they were often treated unfairly and faced discrimination, these women kept pushing forward. Step by step, number by number, they transformed mathematics, engineering, and technology, helping American astronauts reach the Moon. Their wisdom and steady perseverance changed old rules and opened doors for others who came after them. This story flows from hidden corners of history straight into the spotlight of admiration. Once you begin reading, you may never see history the same way again.
Chapter 1: A World in Turmoil and the Secret Doors Behind Scientific Wonders.
Before the country turned its gaze toward the stars, before rockets roared into the sky and before anyone dared to imagine footprints on the Moon’s surface, there was a time when human flight itself was a recent achievement. In the early 1940s, as World War II raged across continents and everyone wondered who would gain the upper hand, America’s scientific minds were called upon to improve planes and test new flight techniques. But a problem arose: there were not enough trained men available to do the complicated math needed. Factories and research centers were growing quickly, yet so many men were overseas fighting. The United States needed more brains, more steady hands, and more math-savvy minds to make sure its aircraft could turn the tide of war. That need would open opportunities for new kinds of experts.
At that time, few could have imagined that women, especially Black women, would be summoned to some of the nation’s top research labs. Men had long dominated the fields of science, engineering, and mathematics. Women often found their options limited to traditional roles like teaching, nursing, or office work. Even fewer could picture Black women breaking barriers, because cruel laws and old customs still divided the country along racial lines. These injustices forced people into separate bathrooms, schools, and neighborhoods. Yet the intense demands of war forced American leaders to question old habits. They realized that talented workers were all around, even if hidden from sight. With encouragement from civil rights activists and the urgent need for new workers, the government opened doors at places like the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA).
NACA was the ancestor of today’s NASA, and it was responsible for the crucial research that helped design and improve airplanes. Inside NACA’s gates, an exciting world of engineering experiments and wind tunnels awaited. Engineers tested innovative airplane designs and measured how air flowed around different shapes of wings. However, to turn test results into useful information, someone had to do the math—thousands upon thousands of calculations. In the 1940s, that meant using pencil, paper, mechanical calculators, and incredible patience. Human computers, as these math experts were called, were needed more than ever. But would NACA dare to hire Black women for these roles? Under normal circumstances, they might not have. The war, however, changed everything, removing old excuses and forcing people to look beyond familiar faces.
The first Black women who entered NACA’s labs were seen as experiments in themselves. Many white workers had never worked side-by-side with a Black person who shared equal responsibilities. Disturbing rules and signs separated people by race, even in NACA’s cafeteria. Yet these Black women didn’t quit. They knew they were breaking new ground, shattering old expectations, and stepping into a domain that had long been closed to them. As they settled into their new roles, they brought sharp minds, strong wills, and an unshakable determination to excel. Some were former teachers, others skilled mathematicians, all ready to show that talent, courage, and persistence mattered far more than skin color. Their journey would not be easy. But they were prepared to prove their worth, and history would remember them for it.
Chapter 2: Unexpected Invitations, Quiet Courage, and the Birth of the West Computers.
In May 1943, NACA’s Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory began recruiting Black female mathematicians. It was an unusual step that many people never imagined possible. These women were assigned to a segregated group known as the West Computers, named after the building wing where they worked. Unlike their white counterparts who enjoyed certain conveniences, these Black women faced second-class treatment. They struggled to find suitable housing, since local communities were not welcoming. They had to use separate bathrooms and felt the weight of signs that silently said, You do not belong. This might sound shocking to us today, but at the time it was considered normal. Yet each of these women knew what it meant to walk through that door. It meant earning a living wage doing what they loved—mathematics—and taking steps to prove the naysayers wrong.
Dorothy Vaughan was among these pioneering women. Born in 1910, Dorothy was bright, focused, and determined from a young age. She understood the power of education, especially for a Black girl growing up in a country still struggling to treat all its citizens fairly. Dorothy earned a full scholarship to Wilberforce University at just fifteen and majored in mathematics. Eventually, she became a teacher because that was one of the few respectable careers available to educated Black women. Yet when she learned about job openings at NACA, her heart skipped a beat. She saw a chance to make a difference, to be part of cutting-edge work that affected America’s future in the air. Without hesitating, she applied. When she got the job, it meant leaving her family behind to start this new, uncertain chapter.
As Dorothy entered the Langley campus, she saw strange sights: large brick buildings painted dark green to blend in with the landscape, tall wind tunnels used to test airplane models, and rows of desks packed with calculating machines. The entire place hummed with energy, promise, and tension. Inside the West Computing office, Dorothy joined a team of Black women from varied backgrounds, many of them former teachers. Although they faced tough conditions, they embraced their work wholeheartedly. They learned how to handle tricky equations, tackle new engineering concepts, and deliver perfect calculations for test flights. Their careful math helped warplanes fly stronger, faster, and safer. In the crucible of wartime research, these women showed their brilliance again and again, gaining respect—even if it arrived slowly and grudgingly.
Despite the hostility they faced, the West Computers remained resilient. They worked six days a week, often juggling family obligations far away from the lab. Dorothy Vaughan led by example, showing meticulous attention to detail and steady calm under pressure. She learned not just to survive in a difficult environment but to excel. Soon, her knowledge and leadership qualities made her stand out. Eventually, she would become a supervisor, one of the first Black women to hold such a position at Langley. The West Computers had carved out a space in history where none seemed to exist. They showed that if given a chance, they could achieve astounding feats. Little did they know that their struggles were laying the foundation for future generations of women, both Black and white, who would follow in their footsteps.
Chapter 3: Shifting Winds, Postwar Realities, and the Pathways for Female Mathematicians.
When World War II finally ended, the nation’s priorities changed. Military demands slowed, and many wartime workers were let go. But something remarkable happened at NACA. Instead of sending Dorothy Vaughan and her colleagues home, they kept them on. The agency realized these women were too valuable to lose. Their calculations had proven essential to America’s aviation success. Although the workforce shrank in other places, Langley recognized the enduring importance of aeronautics research. With international tensions rising—now in the shadow of the Cold War—there remained a pressing need for advanced flight knowledge. Dorothy and her team stayed, evolving from temporary wartime hires into lasting figures in America’s research landscape.
This stability allowed them to think beyond simply keeping their jobs. Now Dorothy Vaughan, who rose to become the head of the West Computing unit, wanted to open doors for others. She knew firsthand what it felt like to stand at the margins, uncertain if anyone would recognize her contributions. As a supervisor, she helped women, both Black and white, earn promotions and move from one department to another. Although the progress was slow and often frustrating, Dorothy used her influence to chip away at old patterns. If someone proved their talent, she did her best to ensure they were rewarded. In doing so, she nurtured a whole new generation of experts, gradually loosening the grip of old traditions.
Meanwhile, the world watched anxiously as the Soviet Union tested its first atomic bomb. The Cold War suspicion between the United States and the USSR boosted research funding. NACA expanded, hiring more staff and broadening the range of projects. Soon, this growth brought new talents like Mary Jackson into the fold. Mary, raised in Old Hampton, a community formed by formerly enslaved people, carried the voice of history within her. She absorbed the lessons of her ancestors and believed strongly in lifting up others. Joining West Computing in 1951, Mary blended her knowledge of math and physical science with compassion for her community. She devoted herself not just to solving tough equations but also to helping young people expand their horizons, especially young girls who needed role models.
Mary Jackson’s early life had prepared her to handle challenges with grace and determination. Before Langley, she guided and supported her community at a local USO center, helping young soldiers and civilians find their way during uncertain times. At Langley, the subtle and not-so-subtle reminders of segregation tested her patience. Once, she asked for directions to a bathroom and was met with icy indifference. Instead of giving in to humiliation, she remained focused and soon found allies who saw her potential. Working under open-minded engineers, Mary honed her skills and even co-authored research papers. She proved that intelligence and determination were not limited by race or gender. This pattern—initial exclusion followed by the breaking of barriers—would repeat itself as more talented women stepped forward.
Chapter 4: Bold Steps, Friendship, and the Unlikely Mentors Who Made a Difference.
Some people at Langley broke free from old prejudices and recognized the value of fresh perspectives. For Mary Jackson, an important turning point came when she crossed paths with Kaz Czarnecki, an assistant division head who treated her with fairness and understanding. He challenged her to grow, putting her in control of the wind tunnel experiments and allowing her to gain hands-on engineering experience. Under his mentorship, Mary not only fine-tuned her math skills but also gained the confidence to stand her ground when challenged by even the most respected engineers. Such supportive figures were rare in a system still clinging to old ways, but they proved that fairness and talent could find common ground.
Mary’s stand-off with a top aerodynamicist, John Becker, was one such defining moment. Assigned complex calculations, she meticulously worked through every detail. When Becker questioned her results, Mary confidently defended her process. In the end, it turned out Mary was correct—Becker had provided incorrect input data. By exposing this error, Mary earned more than just respect; she gained a reputation as a clear-minded, fearless professional. This victory mattered not only for Mary, but for every woman who watched and waited for a chance to show her worth. It proved that challenging wrong assumptions was sometimes the only way to move forward.
Mary’s willingness to guide others was as impressive as her intellectual courage. She drew from her experience as a Girl Scout leader, encouraging young girls to believe in their abilities. She understood that to build a better future, you had to start with young minds, showing them the wide world beyond what they knew. She helped these girls with math homework, encouraged them to aim for college, and instilled values of honesty and service. Underneath the daily grind of research equations, Mary’s empathy continued to shine, forming a steady pulse that nourished her community and future generations of young learners. With each success at Langley, Mary Jackson proved that there could be a place in high-level science and engineering for Black women who dared to dream.
As the 1950s rolled on, the tension in the world did not ease. The Soviet Union’s technological advances, including the first satellite Sputnik, sent waves of anxiety through the United States. Suddenly, the notion of space travel leapt from the pages of science fiction into daily headlines. Research priorities shifted almost overnight. Rocket science and orbital calculations came into focus. Although the environment changed rapidly, the West Computers and the women who worked among them kept pace. They adjusted their skills, learned new methods, and prepared themselves for the challenges that lay ahead. The stage was set for a grand new adventure, one that would take them beyond the familiar territory of Earth’s atmosphere and into the unexplored frontier of outer space.
Chapter 5: Katherine Johnson’s Arrival, a Quiet Brilliance Ready to Shine Bright.
Into this swirling climate of change and challenge entered Katherine Goble (later Katherine Johnson), a woman whose talent for numbers seemed almost magical. Raised with the idea that no one was better or worse than anyone else, Katherine approached mathematics like a dancer approaching a stage. She moved through numbers gracefully, seeing their patterns and possibilities with crystal clarity. Even as a child, she helped her older brother with homework and dazzled teachers with her quick mind. By 18, she held degrees in math and French. Her life, too, took unexpected turns. She married, became a mother, and had to put her professional dreams on hold for a time. Still, her passion for research never faded.
Katherine joined Langley’s West Computing in 1953, and her talent immediately caught the eye of the Flight Research Division. Instead of returning her to the West Computers after a temporary assignment, the engineers kept her. They saw her eagerness to learn, her relentless curiosity, and her knack for spotting connections between complex ideas. Surrounded by intellectual excitement, Katherine soaked up every bit of knowledge. She read about the latest aviation developments and related each equation she solved to a real-world problem. It wasn’t enough just to crunch numbers; she wanted to understand what they meant in flight. This approach elevated her work and earned her growing admiration from her team.
Katherine never let the ugly shadow of segregation define her experience. She used the same bathrooms as her white colleagues and ate lunch at her desk rather than subject herself to the humiliation of segregated cafeterias. It wasn’t a lack of awareness; it was a refusal to accept limits placed on her by outdated beliefs. In her mind, she belonged there as an equal, and she acted accordingly. Her strategy was simple and personal: if there was no rule saying she couldn’t, she simply did. This quiet courage let her glide over some social obstacles that could have weighed her down. It sent a subtle but powerful message that she was there to do important work, just like everyone else.
In the late 1950s, personal tragedy struck when Katherine’s husband passed away. Despite this heartbreaking loss, she stayed committed to her children’s futures and to her own career. She restructured her household so her daughters would remain disciplined and focused. At the same time, national events were swirling toward the Space Race. The Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik rattled American pride and security. Suddenly, reaching space wasn’t just a dream—it was a matter of national urgency. The public demanded America catch up and surpass its rival. As NACA transformed into NASA in 1958, the mission turned skyward, leaving behind the atmosphere that airplanes inhabit and moving into the vast darkness of the cosmos. Katherine Johnson would find herself at the very heart of these thrilling developments.
Chapter 6: The Dawn of the Space Age and a New Chapter for Dreamers.
As America stepped into the Space Age, a new kind of hope and anxiety filled the air. The country asked itself: Could humans leave Earth’s surface, enter orbit, and return safely? Could American ingenuity overcome the Soviet Union’s head start? NASA sprang into action, gathering the brightest minds to figure out the secrets of rocketry, orbital mechanics, and spacecraft design. The spotlight turned toward astronauts who would become national heroes. Engineers, mathematicians, and scientists worked day and night, translating complicated formulas into practical flight paths. This intense focus brought people like Katherine Johnson even deeper into the core of monumental projects.
At NASA, the old anonymity that surrounded women’s work began to fade. Before, their calculations had often gone unacknowledged. Now, with competition at a fever pitch, every talent was valuable. Katherine knew the significance of her contributions and wanted to be part of the discussions where decisions were made. When told that girls don’t go to meetings, she questioned that. She kept asking until she was allowed into the editorial meetings where flight paths, rocket trajectories, and complex mission details were hammered out. This was more than just sitting in a room; it was about being recognized as an equal mind, a contributor whose thoughts mattered.
Katherine’s persistence paid off. Instead of working behind the scenes, she now had a front-row seat. She participated in shaping the reports and decisions that guided America’s astronauts. The era of John Glenn’s spaceflight approached rapidly. Glenn was chosen to be the first American to orbit Earth, a mission that demanded perfect math. If the trajectory was even slightly off, he could end up lost in space or crash into the ocean far off course. This was where Katherine’s unique ability came to the fore. She was asked to verify the computer’s calculations—an honor and a responsibility that showed how much trust her colleagues placed in her skill.
As Glenn prepared for his mission, he famously said, Get the girl to check the numbers. He wanted Katherine Johnson’s approval before he climbed aboard his rocket. For a Black woman who once entered Langley through a side door, this was an extraordinary recognition of talent. Carefully, Katherine rechecked every figure, ensuring the computer’s math was correct. It took a day and a half of careful, detailed work. When all matched perfectly, Glenn launched, orbited Earth three times, and returned safely. Millions breathed a sigh of relief, amazed by America’s achievement. Katherine’s contributions had helped guide Glenn’s safe passage through space. This moment highlighted how far she and others had come, from hidden figures to essential partners in America’s greatest adventure.
Chapter 7: Stepping onto the Moon and Building Bridges for the Future.
After John Glenn’s mission, the American space program pressed forward. The lofty goal of putting a man on the Moon inspired countless hours of research. Katherine Johnson played a key role in calculating the flight paths that would take Apollo astronauts from Earth to the Moon and back. This task was even more complex than Glenn’s flight. It required understanding gravity, timing, and alignment with astonishing precision. Each problem she solved became another rung on a ladder leading to one of humanity’s greatest accomplishments: the Apollo 11 Moon landing.
When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the lunar surface in July 1969, Katherine’s heart swelled with pride. She remembered counting stars as a little girl, never imagining that her math would one day guide men to walk among them. In many ways, her work on the Moon mission was her greatest contribution, taking human exploration beyond anything previously imagined. While the world celebrated the astronauts, insiders knew that such achievements rested on the steady shoulders of skilled mathematicians, programmers, and engineers. Katherine was among them, her name now cemented in history books that once ignored women like her.
Meanwhile, Mary Jackson continued her community involvement. Even as she excelled at NASA, researching how subtle changes in a moving object’s surface could affect the flow of air around it, she cared deeply about the next generation. Mary gave talks at local schools, started after-school science clubs, and helped her children—and many others—realize that hard work, curiosity, and persistence could carry them into new worlds of possibility. She led by example, showing that engineers could be mothers, community leaders, and mentors all at once. Her dedication helped young girls see that the future belonged to them, too.
All around them, changes were happening. By the 1970s, the role of human computers began to fade as advanced electronic computers took over complex calculations. But the impact of these women could not be erased. Their presence at Langley had demonstrated that no occupation was off-limits to women of color. Dorothy Vaughan, who had once supervised a team of Black women computers, learned new programming skills and adapted to the changing technology. She retired in 1971 after nearly three decades of service, proud that she had changed what she could and endured what she could not. Their stories were reminders that progress might be slow and uneven, but it was possible.
Chapter 8: Civil Rights, Education, and the Slow March Toward True Equality.
As the Space Race progressed, so did America’s struggle with civil rights. The Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954 demanded that schools be desegregated, but many communities resisted. In Virginia, where Langley was located, tensions ran high. Some schools closed rather than integrate. Families of all backgrounds worried about their children’s futures. Dorothy, Mary, and Katherine each understood that education was the key to unlocking doors. They pushed their children to excel in whatever schools they attended, encouraging them to aim high. As America looked to the heavens, these families looked to the classrooms, hoping that knowledge would one day erase the cruel lines drawn by prejudice.
The women we’ve followed so far shared something powerful: a commitment to lifting others up. Dorothy Vaughan had helped fellow mathematicians secure better roles. Mary Jackson dedicated herself to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. Katherine Johnson’s example proved that if you pressed forward, insisting on your right to participate, you could change an organization from within. None of them rested simply on their own success; they knew they were part of a bigger story that included their families, their communities, and the many people who would follow.
Though they worked at NASA, these women still faced the same everyday struggles as other Black Americans. They returned home to neighborhoods shaped by discriminatory housing practices. They lived through times of social unrest, watched protests and marches, and felt the sting of unequal opportunities. Yet they also watched laws change, however slowly. Step by step, America admitted that segregation was wrong. Voting rights expanded. Bit by bit, these shifts altered the landscape. By existing in a place where many thought they did not belong, these women challenged stereotypes and proved that brains and brilliance do not come stamped with one skin color.
For young people today, it might be hard to believe that such courageous and intelligent individuals remained in the shadows of history for so long. Yet for decades, their names barely appeared in textbooks. Their accomplishments were whispered rather than shouted. But time has a way of bringing hidden heroes into the light. The struggles they faced—the separate water fountains, the dismissive attitudes—now appear as cruel relics of a darker age. Their presence and achievements force us to ask: How many other stories remain untold? How many other pioneers have we overlooked? As we continue this journey, we discover that these women’s legacies stretch far beyond their immediate accomplishments. They forever changed how we see possibility, talent, and human potential.
Chapter 9: Beyond Glenn’s Orbit—Lasting Contributions and Quiet Transformations.
After John Glenn’s successful flight, the world understood that NASA’s success depended on minds like Katherine Johnson’s. More missions followed, and each brought fresh challenges. Complex spacecraft and lunar modules required intricate calculations. Sometimes the pressure was immense: lives depended on getting every decimal point right. Through it all, these women remained calm, precise, and dedicated. Katherine’s name began popping up in technical reports, a quiet acknowledgment that her expertise could no longer be ignored. Despite having faced resistance early on, she now stood as a respected figure in the agency.
Mary Jackson eventually chose to focus on improving opportunities for women at NASA. Becoming the Federal Women’s Program Manager, she worked to remove barriers and to make sure that talented women could climb career ladders more easily. She wanted women to feel confident in negotiating for better positions, earning credit for their work, and gaining leadership roles. She understood that bridging the gap between Black and white communities also involved ensuring women of all backgrounds supported one another. By advocating on behalf of women at NASA, Mary amplified the voices that often went unheard.
Dorothy Vaughan’s transition into computer programming at age 50 illustrated her adaptability. She understood that technology was changing, and if she wanted to remain valuable, she needed new skills. Teaching herself how to program electronic computers, she became a beacon of what lifelong learning can achieve. This flexibility also meant that she could guide younger workers, showing them that innovation did not belong to any single generation. Although Dorothy never got her name on a research report, her fingerprints were all over the successes of many projects and the advancement of numerous women’s careers.
Beyond these three well-known figures, many other Black women at Langley contributed to shaping the future. Some quietly removed racist signs in cafeterias. Others turned their focus to new areas of expertise, like supersonic flight. One such figure, Christine Darden, would become a leading expert on sonic booms. Each story added another layer to this tapestry of achievement. Though these contributions were often overlooked by the mainstream, their importance was undeniable. They provided crucial calculations, supported one another’s growth, and challenged a system that had been content to ignore them. Every time they solved a problem, they proved that the walls built to keep them out could not hold back their talent.
Chapter 10: A Legacy Written in Numbers, Papers, and Infinite Possibilities.
By the time the 1970s and 1980s arrived, the America that Dorothy, Mary, and Katherine first encountered at Langley had changed. Electronic computers took over tedious calculations. Women found it easier—though not always easy—to enter science, math, and engineering fields. Civil rights laws provided new opportunities. Young people of all backgrounds could imagine futures in high-tech fields. The presence of these pioneering women at NASA had helped spark a quiet revolution. They showed that intelligence has no race or gender, and that perseverance can carve new paths through old forests of doubt.
As generations passed, people began rediscovering their stories. Books and movies brought their achievements back into the public eye, revealing the courage, intelligence, and grace with which they fought discrimination. Schools started including their names in lessons about the Space Race, making sure students knew that behind the famous astronauts stood teams of remarkable mathematicians and engineers. Their overdue recognition arrived at last, helping to inspire a new era of inclusivity. These women became heroes for girls dreaming of STEM careers and for boys who learned that real strength comes from working together.
In workplaces around the world, the echoes of Dorothy, Mary, and Katherine’s efforts can still be heard. Whenever a woman steps forward to lead a project, whenever a young mathematician from a minority background wins a scholarship, whenever a company implements fairer hiring practices, we can sense the ripples of their legacy. Their lives teach us that every step toward fairness—no matter how small—makes the next step easier. Their journey encourages us never to give up, never to accept that something is impossible simply because no one like us has done it before.
The legacy of these women shows that humans are explorers by nature. Whether charting new lands, diving into the ocean’s depths, or venturing into space, we push beyond what seems possible. Like expert navigators, these Hidden Figures guided our course at a time of uncertainty. They braved not just technical puzzles but human prejudices. They proved that skill, knowledge, and passion can triumph over fear and ignorance. Now that their stories have come into the light, we see that understanding our past is crucial for shaping our future. Their influence extends beyond textbooks and documentaries, whispering to every soul that dares to dream: trust your mind, work hard, and help others along the way.
Chapter 11: From Hidden Figures to Guiding Stars—Why Their Story Still Matters.
Today, as we look back on the journey of these extraordinary women, we understand that they never worked solely for themselves. Their victory was a victory for all of us. They changed the narrative of who could be a scientist or mathematician. Their lives remind us that behind every rocket launch, behind every shuttle mission, behind every historic leap forward, stand countless individuals who solve problems, work as a team, and never let skepticism destroy their hope. Dorothy, Mary, and Katherine peeled back layers of prejudice, shining a warm light on talent previously left in the shadows.
Their story matters because it shows that real progress is made not in one giant leap, but in many determined steps. Each time they sharpened a pencil to calculate a flight path, each time they insisted on attending a meeting, each time they encouraged a young person to pursue an engineering dream, they laid a brick in the road to equality. These are the small, steady actions that, when added together, reshape our world. People who once doubted them learned to respect them. Girls who once doubted themselves learned to believe.
Although we now have powerful computers, artificial intelligence, and advanced robotics, the core lesson remains the same: our most valuable resource is human potential. It takes curiosity, kindness, and courage to push boundaries. These women embodied all three qualities. Their example can guide us whenever we face uncertainty. They overcame doubters who said, girls don’t do that, or Black women can’t handle that job, by proving those assumptions wrong, not with anger alone, but with excellence. The best kind of protest is to succeed so well that no one can deny your talent.
As we close this story, let’s remember that the journey is not finished. There are still fields where women and minorities remain underrepresented. There are still young people who need to be shown what is possible. By recalling how Dorothy, Mary, and Katherine forged a path into the unknown and lit it up with their achievements, we find inspiration for our own futures. They started as hidden figures in a harsh world, yet they emerged as guiding stars, leading us toward a horizon where everyone’s abilities can shine just as brightly as the sun rising over a new day.
All about the Book
Discover the untold story of the brilliant African American women at NASA who played pivotal roles in the space race. ‘Hidden Figures’ unveils their struggles, triumphs, and enduring legacy, inspiring future generations to pursue STEM careers and champion equality.
Margot Lee Shetterly is a prominent author and researcher, known for her compelling storytelling that highlights the contributions of unsung heroes in American history, especially women of color in STEM fields.
Educators, STEM Advocates, Historians, Diversity and Inclusion Professionals, Space Industry Professionals
Reading Biographies, STEM Education, History Buffing, Advocacy for Women in STEM, Space Exploration
Racial Inequality, Gender Discrimination, Historical Erasure, The Importance of Representation in STEM
We all work for the future, and we all get there together.
Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama
Walter Dean Myers Award, Black Caucus of the American Library Association Award, Carter G. Woodson Book Award
1. Understand the history of NASA’s early years. #2. Discover the impact of segregation on science. #3. Learn about female mathematicians in the 1960s. #4. Appreciate women’s contributions to space technology. #5. Explore barriers faced by African American professionals. #6. Acknowledge the power of determination and resilience. #7. Recognize Katherine Johnson’s critical calculations. #8. See Dorothy Vaughan’s leadership at NASA. #9. Uncover Mary Jackson’s engineering achievements. #10. Witness the fight for workplace equality. #11. Realize the significance of computational advancements. #12. Understand teamwork in achieving space exploration. #13. Recognize the underestimated potential of women. #14. Grasp the role of mathematics in space travel. #15. Learn how advocacy leads to policy change. #16. Connect personal stories to historical contexts. #17. Value diverse perspectives in problem-solving. #18. Discover challenges in balancing work and family. #19. Gain insight into Cold War-era advancements. #20. Celebrate achievements in overcoming racial prejudices.
Hidden Figures book, Margot Lee Shetterly biography, African American women in STEM, NASA history books, women in space exploration, historical biographies, inspiring true stories, civil rights and science, female scientists biographies, Black women in technology, Hidden Figures movie, STEM education resources
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