Hidden Figures Book
Hidden Figures is a powerful testament to the perseverance, intelligence, and courage of these extraordinary women. Their legacy continues to inspire future generations in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Plot Summary
The book focuses on the lives and achievements of three remarkable women: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, along with other “human computers” who worked at the Langley Research Center in Virginia.
During World War II, the demand for skilled mathematicians opened the doors for African-American women to work in aeronautics research. Despite their vital contributions, they faced racial and gender discrimination, including segregation at work, where they were relegated to “colored” computing groups and denied access to certain facilities.
- Katherine Johnson is a brilliant mathematician whose calculations were critical to the success of major space missions, including John Glenn’s historic orbit around Earth.
- Dorothy Vaughan becomes the first African-American supervisor at NASA and becomes an expert in the newly emerging field of computer programming.
- Mary Jackson breaks barriers to become NASA’s first African-American female engineer, fighting against institutional racism to earn her credentials.