Hidden Figures Summary

"Hidden Figures" reveals an untold story of extraordinary black women whose mathematical genius and perseverance helped shape some of America's most monumental achievements in aviation and space exploration.

1. The Birthplace of Unsung Heroes: Langley's West Computers

The journey begins at NASA's precursor, NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics), located at Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory in Hampton, Virginia. In the 1940s, racial barriers initially kept most black women away from such advanced workplaces. However, as more mathematicians were needed during World War II, opportunities began to open up for these women.

The black female mathematicians hired during this time, called "computers," were tasked with performing critical calculations essential for aircraft design. Despite their groundbreaking roles, they were segregated and worked in a separated section known as the "West Computers." Even within a forward-thinking organization, the women faced discrimination but maintained their resolve.

Their story is woven into pivotal historical moments – their work contributed to advancements in wartime aviation during WWII, the transition to NASA, the Cold War, and eventually the space race. Though largely unnoticed by the public at the time, their mathematical skills and hard work became the foundation for critical achievements like orbital space flights.

Examples

• NACA was created in 1917 and later transformed into NASA, bringing new missions and opportunities.
• Women like Katherine Johnson, part of the West Computers division, played a key role in America’s space ambitions.
• During segregation, black computers worked on the west side of Langley's campus.

2. How World War II Opened Doors

Before WWII, black women had extremely few professional opportunities. Roles as teachers, doctors, and lawyers were termed "great" jobs for African Americans. However, wartime aeronautics labs like Langley required more skilled mathematical minds, which created unexpected openings for black women.

These jobs gave women economic growth opportunities much beyond the largely restricted roles for their demographic. However, the transition was far from smooth. Moving to new cities, leaving their families behind, and navigating six-day workweeks on segregated buses underscored the challenges. Despite such hardships, many women took the leap, reshaping both their lives and the future of science in America.

The surge in demand for industrial and aeronautical advancement during the war allowed women to make their mark. Over time, women in aeronautics, albeit under-recognized, helped transform the aircraft industry into the world's largest sector by 1943.

Examples

• Roosevelt's Executive Order 8802, issued in 1941, required fairness in federal employment opportunities.
• Between 1938 to 1943, the aircraft sector grew from the U.S.'s 43rd largest to the number one industry.
• By 1943, Langley’s recruitment of black female mathematicians was underway.

3. Facing Racism and Racist Structures

The working conditions for black female mathematicians at Langley were marred by segregation. These women dealt with oppressive systems, symbolized by separate bathrooms, water fountains, and dining areas. Their offices were isolated from their white counterparts, forcing them to navigate daily humiliations.

Yet, these women found creative ways to assert their dignity gently but persistently. Miriam Mann's quiet, repeated removal of the “Colored Computers” sign from the dining hall marked passive resistance against discriminatory labeling. Others, like Katherine Johnson, refused to comply with the segregated restroom policies, choosing convenience over oppression. These actions paved the way for both gradual changes in attitudes and long-standing respect within their workplace.

Examples

• Black employees had to find housing far from the lab, unlike their white peers who resided in dormitory housing.
• Black women at Langley had designated spaces labeled "Colored Computers."
• Katherine Johnson defied segregation policies by using white-only facilities.

4. The Obstacles of Gender and Race

Even as mathematics helped black women carve a place at Langley, they faced systemic discrimination due to both their race and gender. Promotions and recognition were obstacles almost impossible to overcome, while inexperienced white men often leapfrogged ahead.

Despite this inequality, trailblazers like Dorothy Vaughan broke barriers, becoming Langley’s first black supervisor in 1951. Through her leadership, she supported other women to rise in their careers. Christine Darden, another West Computer, questioned why she hadn’t been promoted and, through persistence, was moved onto an engineering team — a first for her division.

Examples

• Dorothy Vaughan balanced her career growth alongside raising four children, tirelessly advocating for fairness.
• Christine Darden began as a computer but eventually became an expert in sonic boom research at NASA.
• Black women were excluded from mentoring opportunities, which were typically reserved for white male colleagues.

5. Transitioning from Manual to Electronic

The 1970s ushered in new technological advancements, leading to the decline in demand for human computers. Electronic computing replaced manual calculators. However, many black women transitioned neatly into new roles or contributed to the historical milestones in civil services and space exploration, leaving a legacy.

These women not only adapted to the changing dynamics of their workplace but also carried lessons from their struggles into broader societal conversations about equality – contributing meaningfully to landmarks like the space race.

Examples

• Katherine Johnson calculated orbital trajectories that sent the first US astronaut, John Glenn, into space in 1962.
• Dorothy Vaughan led one of the first segregated divisions to successfully use new computing technologies.
• Transition to electronic systems didn’t end segregation’s legacies until much later.

6. The Space Race Became Their Stage

The work these women performed emphasized accuracy and nerve. During the space race, their calculations became integral to missions that pushed humanity beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.

Astronaut John Glenn showed special trust in Katherine Johnson, asking her to check the math for his orbital spaceflight. Her work extended even further to Apollo 11’s preparation, marking her as an indispensable figure in these successes.

Examples

• In 1962, Glenn personally requested Katherine to evaluate calculations for his spacecraft trajectory.
• Johnson worked on revolutionary new techniques for Apollo missions.
• The black women at Langley ensured groundbreaking advancements for both aviation and space exploration.

7. Grace Under Pressure

The responsibilities carried by these women went far beyond math. Every calculation they performed came with immense stakes, such as pilots' safety or military outcomes. Despite this, they focused on excelling in their craft while quietly enduring the societal pressures placed on them.

Facing personal sacrifices and racial adversity, they bore the weight of ensuring pioneering excellence that made America's aerospace feats possible.

Examples

• Complex aerodynamics equations designed safer planes deployed in WWII.
• Failure or bad math could cost pilots’ lives, which added pressure to Langley's teams.
• They juggled exceptionally stressful work and busy family lives.

8. Bridging Racial and Gender Divides

The success stories of black women at Langley demonstrate how they quietly revolutionized workplace inequalities. Through persistence, small acts of defiance, and unrivaled competence, they changed company culture and contributed to emerging national movements.

These efforts bolstered both women’s rights and racial equality in modern America.

Examples

• The West Computers were instrumental in opening doors for minorities in science and math.
• Individual courage by women like Christine Darden spurred workplace policy shifts.
• They fought a silent battle that synchronized with broader civil rights movements.

9. A Legacy That Redefined History

Although these women’s contributions were largely ignored, their legacy is reflected in both the progress within NASA and society. From computing wartime aircraft designs to orchestrating landmark missions, they brought their mathematical minds to forefront discussions.

Change remains needed, but books and films like "Hidden Figures" promise to preserve their courageous feats.

Examples

• 70 black women computers worked during 1943-1980 at NASA's institution.
• Katherine Johnson received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.
• These women’s work was integral to flight safety, the Cold War, and the moon race.

Takeaways

1. Encourage inclusive education in STEM so that underrepresented groups have better access to industries like aerospace, engineering, and technology.
2. Foster workplace mentorships and advocate for policies that prioritize equal opportunities for growth and recognition.
3. Share stories of under-represented pioneers from history to inspire future generations and ensure such achievements aren’t forgotten.