Celebrating The Unsung Heroes: The Black Women Of NASA

For decades, female NASA employees dubbed "human computers" helped the United States excel in the space race, but yet their critical contributions remained largely unacknowledged, not only outside NASA but within it. The movie Hidden Figures introduces three of these women: Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Dorothy Vaughan. While their stories are compelling, the work of their colleagues who still remain in history’s shadows was also of great importance. Here are a few of the other Black women of NASA you need to know who served during the “Hidden Figures” era. Their stories are told in Hidden Human Computers: The Black Women of NASA, a book written by Sue Bradford Edwards and Dr. Duchess Harris (whose own grandmother was one of the “computers”), and published by ABDO in December 2016.

Miriam Daniel Mann: A Trailblazer

Miriam Daniel Mann was one of the first "human computers" at NASA's predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). She was born in 1907 and earned a chemistry degree with a minor in mathematics from Talladega College. In 1943, she learned about job opportunities at NACA, which was operating 24 hours a day, and with her qualifications, she was hired for one of the most demanding jobs for women of her era.

Working shifts that varied from morning to night, Mann's role as a human computer was pivotal during a time when it was uncommon for women to work outside the home. Her daughter, Miriam Mann Harris, recalls how her mother's work involved intense mathematics, often using just a #2 pencil and a slide rule. Harris shared that her earliest memories center around her mother discussing complex math problems.

Kathryn Peddrew: Overcoming Adversity

Kathryn Peddrew also graduated with a chemistry degree and joined NACA in 1943. Raised by supportive parents, she always believed she could achieve her dreams, despite facing gender and racial discrimination. Initially, she sought a position on a research team but was denied due to inadequate housing arrangements for women.

Unfazed, Peddrew applied for a position in NACA’s chemistry division. Though she was hired, upon learning she was Black, the offer was rescinded, and she was transferred to the segregated computing division. Throughout her career, she contributed significantly to both aeronautics and aerospace studies.

Christine Darden: Defying Expectations

When Christine Darden applied for a position in the late 1960s, racial discrimination was still prevalent in NASA's hiring practices. Despite holding a Master’s degree in engineering, she was initially assigned to a human computer role. Recognizing her qualifications, Darden confronted her supervisor and successfully transitioned to an engineering position, where she made significant advancements in the science of sonic booms.

By 1983, Darden had earned her doctorate and began taking on leadership roles within NASA, including leading the Sonic Boom Group. Her journey exemplifies resilience and determination in the face of systemic barriers.

Annie Easley: A Pioneer in Coding

Annie Easley joined NASA in 1955 and became known for her groundbreaking work in computer programming. She wrote the code for the Centaur rocket stage, which became vital for over 220 launches. Despite her remarkable accomplishments, Easley faced discrimination, particularly regarding educational benefits that were available to her male counterparts.

Determined to advance her education, Easley sought to take math classes but was initially denied funding by her supervisor. Undeterred, she paid for her own classes and earned her Bachelor's in Mathematics, proving that determination can lead to success despite challenges.

Key Takeaways