By Ashley Brown
The legacy of trailblazing mathematicians Katherine Johnson and her fellow “Hidden Figures” was celebrated on Sept. 18 during a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony in Emancipation Hall at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. This event commemorated their extraordinary contributions to NASA and paid tribute to the late Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, who championed the legislation that made this recognition possible.
Katherine Johnson, alongside Dr. Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, was recognized for her pivotal role as one of NASA’s Human Computers. Her calculations of orbital mechanics were crucial for the success of numerous U.S. space missions, notably the Apollo 11 moon landing. Despite her passing in February 2020 at age 101, Johnson’s groundbreaking work continues to influence and inspire modern space exploration.
Eddie Bernice Johnson, a Texas Democrat who led the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, introduced the Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act on Feb. 27, 2019. She passed away on Dec. 31, 2023, at the age of 89, shortly before the anticipated medal presentation. Her efforts were acknowledged by Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, who expressed gratitude for Johnson’s tireless advocacy for the women whose talents propelled America into the Space Race.
The bipartisan bill, which garnered broad support across the political spectrum, was also introduced in the Senate that same day by Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and included original cosponsors such as former Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). The act was signed into law on Nov. 8, 2019.
Despite the achievement’s historical significance, the medals were not presented for nearly five years. The story of these unsung heroes was brought to national attention through Margot Lee Shetterly’s book Hidden Figures and the subsequent film adaptation, which showcased their immense contributions during a pivotal era in American history.