The Inspirational Story Behind the Black NASA Movie

The movie 'Hidden Figures' tells the incredible story of three African-American women who played a crucial role in NASA's early success. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson were all pioneers in their own right, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations.

Katherine Johnson, played by Taraji P. Henson, is most famous for her calculations that helped synchronize Project Apollo's Lunar Module with the lunar-orbiting Command and Service Module. Her work was instrumental in John Glenn's 1962 orbital mission, which was a major milestone in space exploration.

Dorothy Vaughan, portrayed by Octavia Spencer, started working at NASA as a temporary war job in 1943. She eventually became a supervisor and was one of the first African-American women to hold such a position. Vaughan's leadership skills and mathematical prowess were invaluable to the team.

Mary Jackson, played by Janelle Monáe, began her journey at NASA in 1951 when she joined the West Computers under the supervision of Dorothy Vaughan. She went on to become the first African-American female supervisor in NASA history in 1949. Jackson's determination and perseverance enabled her to overcome numerous obstacles, including segregation and gender bias.

These women's contributions may not be as well-known as those of Alan Shepard or John Glenn, but they are no less significant. In fact, their work was instrumental in the success of NASA's early spaceflights. The movie 'Hidden Figures' is a testament to their groundbreaking achievements and serves as an inspiration to anyone who has ever faced adversity.

In 2015, former President Barack Obama awarded Katherine Johnson the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her remarkable contributions to NASA. Her story, along with those of Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, is a powerful reminder that even in the face of segregation and discrimination, African-American women can achieve greatness through hard work and determination.

Black nasa movie