Margot Lee Shetterly

Hidden Figures: Unveiling the Untold Stories of Women at NASA

Introduction: Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly is a gripping account that sheds light on the remarkable contributions of African-American women mathematicians, known as "human computers," during the early days of the space program at NASA. This inspiring true story reveals the struggles, triumphs, and immense impact that these brilliant women had on the field of aerospace engineering and the civil rights movement.

Premise: Set against the backdrop of the Cold War and the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union, Hidden Figures uncovers the hidden history of a group of African-American women who played pivotal roles in NASA's success. Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, these unsung heroes overcame immense challenges and made significant contributions to NASA's missions, including the launch of John Glenn into orbit and the Apollo moon landing.

Key Insights:

1. The Power of Education: Hidden Figures illustrates the transformative power of education and the importance of equal access to opportunities. The author highlights the role of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in nurturing the talent and intellect of African-American women, providing them with the tools to excel in mathematics and science.
2. Overcoming Adversity: The book showcases the resilience and determination of the women who defied societal norms and racial prejudices to pursue careers in a predominantly white and male-dominated field. Their unwavering commitment to their work and their refusal to accept limitations led to groundbreaking advancements in aerospace engineering.
3. Intersectionality of Race and Gender: Hidden Figures explores the intersectionality of race and gender, highlighting the unique challenges faced by African-American women in the workplace. The book demonstrates how these women navigated the complexities of being both black and female in a society that often overlooked their abilities and contributions.

Main Arguments:

1. The Hidden Figures' Mathematical Prowess: Shetterly emphasizes the exceptional mathematical abilities of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and other women at NASA. These women possessed an extraordinary aptitude for complex calculations, enabling them to solve critical problems and contribute to the success of various space missions.
2. The Importance of Mentors and Allies: The author underscores the significance of mentors and allies in the lives of the hidden figures. Women like Dorothy Vaughan, who became NASA's first African-American supervisor, played a crucial role in nurturing and guiding younger colleagues, paving the way for future generations.
3. The Impact of the Civil Rights Movement: Hidden Figures intertwines the story of these remarkable women with the broader context of the civil rights movement. By highlighting their contributions and perseverance, the book shows how their achievements challenged the prevailing racial segregation mindset and opened doors for future generations of women and minorities.

Significant Evidence:

1. John Glenn's Trust in Katherine Johnson: The author recounts the story of John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, who insisted that Katherine Johnson personally verify the calculations made by the newly installed IBM computer. Glenn's trust in Johnson's abilities and her flawless calculations demonstrated the indispensability of the human computers.
2. Dorothy Vaughan's Leadership: Shetterly narrates how Dorothy Vaughan recognized the emergence of electronic computers and took it upon herself to learn the programming language Fortran. Her foresight and determination enabled her to become an influential figure in NASA's transition from human computers to electronic computers.
3. Mary Jackson's Legal Battle: The author tells the story of Mary Jackson, who fought to attend an engineering course at an all-white school, ultimately breaking down racial barriers and paving the way for future generations of African-American engineers at NASA.

Conclusion:

Hidden Figures is a captivating testament to the brilliance and resilience of African-American women who defied the odds to become integral figures in the early days of NASA. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Margot Lee Shetterly honors these unsung heroes and brings their remarkable achievements to light. This book serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in scientific and technological advancements, while also highlighting the enduring legacy of these extraordinary women.