Katherine Johnson biography

Katherine Johnson: The Trailblazing Mathematician Who Conquered Space and Racial Barriers

Early Life and Education

Katherine Johnson biography: Katherine Johnson was born on August 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. From an early age, it was evident that she had an exceptional talent for mathematics. One of the most famous stories about her childhood is how she would count everything around her—steps to her school, number of dishes in the sink, and even the stars in the sky. By the age of 10, she had already completed the eighth grade, a remarkable achievement at the time, particularly for an African American girl living in the segregated South.

Recognizing her potential, her parents moved the family 120 miles to Institute, West Virginia, so she could attend a high school that accepted Black students. She later enrolled at West Virginia State College, where she was mentored by renowned mathematician W.W. Schieffelin Claytor, who encouraged her to become a research mathematician. She graduated summa cum laude at just 18, earning degrees in mathematics and French.

In 1939, she became one of the first Black students to enroll in the graduate mathematics program at West Virginia University, breaking racial barriers in higher education. However, due to family obligations, she left before completing her graduate degree.

Katherine Johnson’s Career and Contributions to NASA

Katherine Johnson’s career began as a teacher before she was hired in 1953 by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), the predecessor to NASA. This opportunity came after years of systemic racial and gender discrimination that limited job opportunities for African American women. Her expertise in analytical geometry and celestial mechanics quickly set her apart.

At NACA, she worked as a “human computer,” manually performing complex calculations before the advent of digital computing. She gained prominence in 1962 when astronaut John Glenn personally requested that she verify the numbers calculated by electronic computers before his historic orbital mission. Glenn famously said, “Get the girl to check the numbers. If she says they’re good, then I’m ready to go.”

Her contributions were crucial to the success of the Mercury and Apollo missions, including the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. She also played a key role in developing the trajectory for the Apollo 13 mission, helping to ensure the crew’s safe return after a critical system failure.

Breaking Racial and Gender Barriers

Katherine Johnson’s journey was filled with racial and gender challenges. As an African American woman in the 1950s and 1960s, she had to work in segregated offices, use separate restrooms, and fight for recognition in a field dominated by white men. Despite these obstacles, she demanded and earned a seat at the table, asking to attend high-level meetings where women were previously excluded.

One of the pivotal moments in her career was when she refused to be sidelined in her work. When she asked why women were not included in meetings, she was told, “There’s no protocol for women attending.” She responded, “Well, is there a law against it?” Her persistence led to her inclusion in many critical meetings and decision-making processes.

Her ability to overcome discrimination stemmed from her strong belief in the power of education, self-confidence, and determination. She credited her faith and upbringing for giving her the resilience to challenge societal norms and break down barriers.

Katherine Johnson’s Family and Personal Life

Katherine Johnson was married twice. Her first husband, James Goble, died of cancer in 1956. Together, they had three daughters: Joylette, Katherine, and Constance. After Goble’s death, she married James A. Johnson in 1959, a U.S. Army officer and Korean War veteran.

Her family was an essential pillar of her success. She often spoke about the encouragement she received from her parents, who believed in the power of education, and the support of her husband and children. Despite her demanding career, she remained deeply involved in her family life, ensuring that her daughters also received strong educations.

Katherine Johnson’s Achievements and Legacy

Katherine Johnson’s legacy is marked by numerous groundbreaking achievements:

1. Trajectory Calculations for NASA Missions – Her precise calculations contributed to the Mercury-Atlas 6 mission, Apollo 11 moon landing, and Apollo 13’s emergency return.
2. Breaking Barriers for Women in STEM – She paved the way for women, especially African American women, in the fields of mathematics and aerospace.
3. Presidential Medal of Freedom (2015) – Awarded by President Barack Obama for her extraordinary contributions to space exploration.
4. Congressional Gold Medal (2019) – One of the highest civilian honors in the U.S.
5. NASA’s Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility – Named in her honor in 2016, recognizing her lifelong contributions to aeronautics and space science.
6. Depiction in ‘Hidden Figures’ (2016) – The best-selling book and film brought her story to a global audience.

Katherine Johnson Quotes

1. “Like what you do, and then you will do your best.”
2. “We will always have STEM with us. Some things will drop out of the public eye and go away, but there will always be science, engineering, and technology. And there will always, always be mathematics.”
3. “Girls are capable of doing everything men are capable of doing. Sometimes they have more imagination than men.”
4. “I counted everything. I counted the steps to the road, the steps up to church, the number of dishes and silverware I washed. Anything that could be counted, I did.”
5. “I don’t have a feeling of inferiority. Never had. I’m as good as anybody, but no better.”
6. “If you want to know, ask a question. There’s no such thing as a dumb question.”
7. “You can’t let fear stop you. Even if you’re afraid, you have to keep going.”
8. “You should always be interested in something. If you’re not interested, you’re not learning.”
9. “Everything is physics and math.”
10. “Math, science, and technology are the keys to our future.”

Katherine Johnson’s Books

Although Katherine Johnson did not author many books herself, her life inspired several notable works:

• “My Remarkable Journey: A Memoir” – Katherine Johnson’s autobiography, detailing her journey through NASA and her fight against discrimination.
• “Reaching for the Moon” – A book for young readers about her life and contributions to space exploration.
• “One Step Further: My Story of Math, the Moon, and a Life-long Mission” – A children’s book co-written with her daughters, inspiring young minds to pursue STEM.

Conclusion

Katherine Johnson was a mathematical genius, a pioneer for women and African Americans in STEM, and a key figure in America’s space program. Her brilliance helped put the first Americans in space and ensured the safe return of Apollo astronauts. Beyond her scientific contributions, she shattered racial and gender barriers, leaving a lasting legacy of courage, determination, and excellence.

Her story continues to inspire millions worldwide, proving that intelligence, hard work, and perseverance can take humanity to the stars.

Q&A on Katherine Johnson

Q: What was Katherine Johnson famous for?
A: Katherine Johnson was famous for her groundbreaking work as a mathematician at NASA. She played a crucial role in calculating trajectories for major space missions, including John Glenn’s orbital flight and the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Q: What is Katherine Johnson famous for kids?
A: For kids, Katherine Johnson is best known as a brilliant African American mathematician whose calculations helped send astronauts to space. She was one of the “Hidden Figures” who made space travel possible.

Q: Was Katherine Johnson famous for anything outside of the world of math?
A: While her primary fame comes from her work in mathematics and space exploration, Katherine Johnson was also known as a trailblazer for racial and gender equality in STEM fields. She inspired future generations through her advocacy for education and diversity in science.

Q: Are any Hidden Figures still alive?
A: As of recent updates, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson—the main women featured in Hidden Figures—have all passed away. However, many other women who contributed to NASA’s success are still alive today.

Q: Was Katherine Johnson the first Black woman in NASA?
A: No, Katherine Johnson was not the first Black woman at NASA, but she was one of the most influential. Other African American women, like Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, also worked at NASA before and alongside her.