Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson, originally known as Katherine Coleman, was born to Joshua McKinley Coleman and Joylette Roberta Lowe on August 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Her father, Joshua, held various jobs, including farming and janitorial work, while her mother, Joylette, was a dedicated school teacher. Katherine grew up alongside her two older brothers, Horace and Charles, and an older sister, Margaret.
From a young age, Katherine exhibited exceptional academic abilities. By the time she was eight years old, she had surpassed her peers and entered the sixth grade of a newly established school. At age ten, she was academically prepared to enter high school, demonstrating her advanced intellect and dedication to learning. Throughout her early education, Katherine’s thirst for knowledge and her rapid advancement in school underscored her remarkable potential and set the stage for her future achievements.
Early Life and Childhood of Katherine Johnson
Katherine was born to Joshua and Joylette Coleman on August 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Growing up as the youngest of four siblings, she displayed a natural aptitude for mathematics from a young age. Her mother worked as a teacher, while her father held a position as a handyman at the Greenbrier Hotel.
Despite facing racial barriers, Johnson’s academic prowess propelled her through school at an accelerated pace. She graduated from high school at the age of 14 and was admitted to West Virginia State College due to her exceptional abilities, a decision made solely based on her race. Later, she pursued further studies in mathematics at West Virginia University, where her passion for the subject attracted the attention of several professors who became her mentors.
In 1937, Johnson graduated with honors, earning a degree in French and Mathematics. She initially embarked on a teaching career at a public school in Marion, Virginia, before marrying James Francis Goble in 1939. Following her marriage, she left her teaching position and joined West Virginia University as one of the first three African-American students enrolled there.
Family & Personal Life of Katherine Johnson
Katherine tied the knot with James Francis Goble in 1939, and together they welcomed three children: Constance, Joylette, and Katherine. Tragically, in 1956, James Goble passed away due to a tumor, leaving Katherine to navigate life as a widow.
In 1959, Katherine found love again when she married Lieutenant James A. Johnson, a veteran of World War II. The couple settled in Hampton, Virginia, where they currently reside. Despite facing personal loss, Katherine’s passion for science remains undiminished, serving as an inspiration to her grandchildren and former students. She continues to advocate for the pursuit of careers in science, instilling her enthusiasm for the subject in those around her.
Awards & Achievements of Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson continues to be an influential figure for women aspiring to pursue careers in science. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, West Virginia State College honored her as the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year in 1999. Her remarkable achievements were further celebrated on November 24, 2015, when President Barack Obama presented her with a prestigious presidential award, acknowledging her significant impact on society.
On September 20, 2017, a significant milestone was reached with the unveiling of the “Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility.” Johnson, who attended the ceremony, was also bestowed with the Silvery Snoopy Honor, an esteemed recognition often referred to as the astronaut’s award, for her pivotal role in NASA’s achievements.
In 2016, Katherine was recognized globally for her influence and leadership, earning a place on the BBC’s list of the 100 most powerful women in the world. Her alma mater, West Virginia State University, established a STEM award in her honor and erected a life-size statue of her on its campus, further commemorating her legacy.
In May 2018, Katherine received an honorary doctorate from the College of William and Mary in Virginia, solidifying her status as a revered figure in the scientific community. Her enduring impact and trailblazing achievements continue to inspire generations of women in STEM fields.
Katherine Johnson In His Early Years
Born on August 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, USA, and passed away on February 24, 2020, in Newport News, Virginia, was a prominent American mathematician renowned for her pivotal role in the U.S. space program.
For more than three decades, Johnson meticulously calculated and analyzed the flight trajectories of numerous spacecraft. Her groundbreaking contributions were instrumental in facilitating the successful missions that ultimately led to the historic lunar landings, demonstrating her invaluable expertise and dedication to advancing space exploration.
Coleman’s exceptional aptitude for numbers was evident from a young age, demonstrating remarkable intelligence. By the age of 10, she had already advanced to high school-level studies, showcasing her early academic prowess.
Katherine Johnson’s from 1937-1956
In 1937, at the age of 18, Coleman achieved the graduating with the highest honors from West Virginia State College (now West Virginia State University). Her dual bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and French underscored her dedication and intellectual capabilities.
Following her graduation, she relocated to Virginia and embarked on a career in teaching. However, in 1939, Coleman’s academic journey took a new turn when she was selected as one of the pioneering three African American students admitted to a graduate program at West Virginia University.
Despite her promising academic pursuits, Coleman’s path veered as she chose to prioritize family life after marrying James Goble. Tragically, Goble passed away in 1956, leading Coleman to remarry three years later, this time to James Johnson, marking a new chapter in her personal life.
In 1953, Katherine Johnson commenced her tenure at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), joining the West Area Computing unit. This unit comprised a team of African American women who manually conducted intricate mathematical computations to support the program’s engineers. Known as the West Computers, these women played a crucial role in analyzing test data and providing essential mathematical calculations vital to the early successes of the U.S. space program.
NACA merged with NASA
Despite their invaluable contributions, the working conditions at NACA were marked by segregation, with the West Computers facing the indignity of separate facilities for bathrooms and dining. However, a significant shift occurred in 1958 when NACA merged into the newly established National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which implemented policies prohibiting segregation, fostering a more inclusive and equitable work environment.
While at NASA, Katherine Johnson became an integral member of the Space Task Group, contributing significantly to the agency’s groundbreaking work. In 1960, she achieved a notable milestone by coauthoring a paper with an engineer from the group, focusing on the intricate calculations required for spacecraft orbital placement.
This marked a historic moment as it was the first instance of a woman in her division receiving credit as an author of a research report, highlighting Johnson’s exceptional expertise and recognition within her field. Throughout her illustrious career, Johnson authored or co-authored a total of 26 research reports, further solidifying her reputation as a pioneering figure in space exploration and mathematics.
Katherine Contributions
Katherine Johnson made significant contributions to NASA’s Mercury program from 1961 to 1963, where she played a crucial role in the success of crewed spaceflights. In 1961, she computed the trajectory for Freedom 7, the spacecraft that carried the first American astronaut, Alan B. Shepard, Jr., into space. The following year, at the request of John Glenn, Johnson verified the accuracy of the electronic computer’s flight plan for his historic orbit around Earth aboard Friendship 7.
Additionally, Johnson was part of the team responsible for calculating the launch parameters for the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, which resulted in the first manned lunar landing. Her expertise contributed to the success of this monumental achievement in space exploration. Johnson continued her work with NASA, contributing to the space shuttle program until her retirement in 1986.
Katherine Johnson’s: (Hidden Figures)
The remarkable story of Katherine Johnson and her colleagues was brought to the silver screen in the 2016 Hollywood film “Hidden Figures,” adapted from Margot Lee Shetterly’s non-fiction book of the same name, which was published that year.
The movie, starring Taraji P. Henson as Mrs. Johnson served as a tribute to her pivotal role in the space race. Alongside Henson, Octavia Spencer portrayed Dorothy Vaughan, and Janelle Monáe depicted Mary Jackson, showcasing the extraordinary contributions of these real-life figures to NASA’s success. The film received widespread acclaim for shedding light on the untold stories of these pioneering women and their invaluable contributions to history.
In January 2017, the film “Hidden Figures” was honored with the Screen Actors Guild Award for outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture, recognizing the exceptional portrayal of the remarkable story of Katherine Johnson and her colleagues. The film also garnered three Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, though it did not secure any wins. However, at the Academy Awards ceremony in February of that year, the audience gave Mrs. Johnson, then 98½ years old, a heartfelt standing ovation when she appeared onstage with the cast.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom
Mrs. Johnson was the sole living member among the central black women depicted in the film, elevating her to prominence as the most recognized figure from the previously lesser-known group. Her extraordinary contributions to space exploration were further recognized in 2015 when President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In his proclamation, President Obama lauded Mrs. Johnson’s refusal to be constrained by societal expectations of her gender and race, highlighting her pivotal role in expanding the horizons of humanity.
In 2017, NASA honored Mrs. Johnson’s legacy by dedicating a building in her honor, the Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility, at its Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, solidifying her enduring impact on the agency’s history and the field of scientific research.
Katherine : My Remarkable Journey
Throughout her career, Johnson received numerous accolades for her groundbreaking contributions, including the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. In recognition of her extraordinary achievements, NASA honored her legacy by naming a building, the Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility, after her in 2016.
That same year, Margot Lee Shetterly’s book “Hidden Figures” shed light on Johnson’s and other African American women mathematicians’ pivotal roles at NASA, inspiring a film adaptation. Johnson’s memoir, “My Remarkable Journey,” co-authored with Joylette Hylick and Katherine Moore, was published posthumously in 2021, providing insight into her remarkable life and career.
How was Katherine Johnson influential?
Katherine Johnson’s expertise in mathematics played a pivotal role in ensuring the safe return of Apollo astronauts from the Moon to Earth. Her profound understanding of complex mathematical concepts enabled her to calculate trajectories and orbits with precision, critical for the success of space missions.
Johnson’s contributions were indispensable to NASA’s efforts, demonstrating the crucial role of her expertise in space exploration. Her remarkable skills and dedication exemplified the highest standards of expertise, authority, and trustworthiness in the field of mathematics, reflecting her profound impact on the success of the Apollo program.
How did Katherine Johnson inspire other women?
In 1939, Katherine Johnson made history as one of the inaugural three African American students admitted to a graduate program at West Virginia University, marking a significant step forward in educational equality.
Her academic prowess and dedication paved the way for future generations of underrepresented students in higher education. Later, Johnson became a valued member of a distinguished group of NASA employees known as “computers.” Comprising talented African American women adept in mathematics and problem-solving, this group played a vital role in advancing the agency’s missions.
Johnson’s membership in this esteemed cohort highlights her exceptional skills and contributions to NASA’s groundbreaking work in space exploration.
What was Katherine Johnson’s maiden name?
Katherine, originally known as Katherine Coleman, transitioned to Katherine Goble after marrying James Goble from 1939 to 1956. Following James Goble’s passing, she later remarried, becoming Katherine Johnson after marrying James Johnson. This personal journey reflects the different stages of her life and relationships, contributing to the rich tapestry of her experiences.
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