35 Facts About Katherine Johnson

Early Life and Education

Katherine Johnson's journey began in a time when opportunities for African American women were limited. Her early life and education laid the foundation for her remarkable career.

1. Born on August 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, Katherine was the youngest of four children.
2. Her father, Joshua, was a farmer and handyman, while her mother, Joylette, was a teacher.
3. Katherine showed an early aptitude for math, often counting everything around her, from steps to dishes.
4. By age 10, she had already started high school, a rare feat for any child at the time.
5. She graduated from high school at 14 and enrolled at West Virginia State College, a historically black college.
6. Mentored by Dr. William W. Schieffelin Claytor, one of the first African Americans to earn a Ph.D. in mathematics, she completed her degree in mathematics and French by age 18.

Career Beginnings

Katherine's career began in an era when racial and gender barriers were prominent. Her determination and skill helped her break through these barriers.

7. In 1937, she began teaching at a black public school in Marion, Virginia.
8. In 1953, she joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA.
9. Initially hired as a "computer," she performed complex calculations by hand.
10. Her work involved analyzing flight test data and performing trajectory analysis for missions.

Contributions to NASA

Katherine Johnson's contributions to NASA were groundbreaking. Her calculations were crucial to the success of several space missions.

11. In 1961, she calculated the trajectory for Alan Shepard's Freedom 7 mission, America's first human spaceflight.
12. She also verified the calculations for John Glenn's orbital mission in 1962, ensuring his safe return to Earth.
13. Her work on the Apollo 11 mission in 1969 helped land the first humans on the Moon.
14. She co-authored 26 scientific papers, a significant achievement in a male-dominated field.
15. Her calculations were essential for the Space Shuttle program and the Earth Resources Satellite.

Awards and Recognition

Katherine Johnson's achievements did not go unnoticed. She received numerous awards and honors throughout her life.

16. In 1967, she received the NASA Lunar Orbiter Award for her work on the Lunar Orbiter Program.
17. In 1997, she was honored with the NASA Group Achievement Award.
18. In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
19. In 2016, NASA dedicated the Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility in her honor.
20. She received honorary doctorates from several universities, including West Virginia University and Old Dominion University.

Legacy and Impact

Katherine Johnson's legacy extends beyond her contributions to space exploration. She inspired generations of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers.

21. Her story was popularized by the 2016 film "Hidden Figures," which highlighted the contributions of African American women at NASA.
22. She was a strong advocate for STEM education, encouraging young people to pursue careers in science and math.
23. In 2019, she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States.
24. Her work paved the way for future generations of women and minorities in STEM fields.
25. She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2021.

Personal Life

Katherine Johnson's personal life was as inspiring as her professional achievements. Her resilience and dedication were evident in all aspects of her life.

26. She married James Goble in 1939, and they had three daughters: Joylette, Katherine, and Constance.
27. After James Goble's death in 1956, she married James A. Johnson in 1959.
28. She balanced her career with raising her family, often working late into the night after her children were asleep.
29. Katherine was an active member of her community, participating in church activities and mentoring young people.
30. She lived to be 101 years old, passing away on February 24, 2020.

Fun Facts

Beyond her professional and personal life, there are some lesser-known, fun facts about Katherine Johnson that highlight her unique personality.

31. Katherine loved to play bridge and was known to be quite competitive.
32. She had a passion for music and played the piano.
33. Despite her many achievements, she remained humble and often credited her success to teamwork.
34. Katherine was an avid reader and enjoyed learning about new scientific discoveries.
35. She had a great sense of humor and was known for her quick wit and infectious laugh.

Katherine Johnson's Legacy

Katherine Johnson's contributions to NASA and mathematics have left an indelible mark on history. Her work on the orbital mechanics for the first American in space and the Apollo 11 moon landing showcased her brilliance. Despite facing racial and gender barriers, she persevered, becoming a role model for countless individuals. Her story, highlighted in the book and film "Hidden Figures," continues to inspire. Johnson's legacy isn't just in her calculations but in her courage and determination. She proved that talent and hard work can break through any barrier. As we remember her achievements, let's also celebrate the progress made in diversity and inclusion. Katherine Johnson's life reminds us that anyone, regardless of background, can reach for the stars and achieve greatness.