In Hidden Figures, Mary Jackson served as a brilliant mathematician, or "human computer," at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA. Her journey in the film highlights her significant contributions to the early space program while battling racial and gender discrimination to pursue her ambition of becoming an engineer.
Mary Jackson's Role and Contributions
Mary Jackson's character in Hidden Figures portrays her multifaceted role and the challenges she overcame:
- Early Career and Transition to NACA: Before joining NACA, Mary Jackson had a background as a teacher and a USO secretary. She then transitioned into her role as a "computer," a term used for the skilled mathematicians, predominantly women, who performed complex calculations by hand at the segregated West Area Computing unit.
- Crucial Computational Work: As a computer, she was integral to the American space race efforts. She performed vital mathematical computations that were essential for the success of early space missions, including calculating trajectories and flight paths for spacecraft.
- Facing Systemic Discrimination: Despite being extremely bright and possessing the intelligence that secured her a position at Langley, Mary found herself frustrated. Her intellect did not shield her from the pervasive racial and gender discrimination from her white colleagues and the institution itself. She encountered segregated facilities, unequal treatment, and barriers to career advancement.
- Pioneering as an Engineer: A significant arc of Mary's story in the film is her determination to become NASA's first Black female engineer. This ambition led her to confront legal hurdles, specifically fighting in court to gain permission to attend segregated night classes at an all-white high school to earn the necessary qualifications. Her successful petition broke a significant barrier, paving the way for her to achieve her goal.
Overcoming Obstacles to Achieve Greatness
Mary Jackson's narrative in Hidden Figures is a powerful testament to her resilience and pioneering spirit. Her actions extended beyond her mathematical duties; she actively challenged the discriminatory practices prevalent at the time. Her journey from a computer to an engineer underscored her commitment to excellence and her unwavering belief in her capabilities, despite the societal and institutional obstacles placed in her path.
Here's a summary of her key contributions and the challenges she faced:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial Background | Started her professional life as a teacher and a USO secretary before her pivotal role at the NACA. |
| Role as a "Computer" | Performed intricate mathematical calculations by hand, which were foundational to the early United States space missions. |
| Experience with Bias | Encountered significant racial and gender discrimination within her workplace, leading to frustration as her intelligence was not enough to overcome systemic barriers. |
| Pursuit of Engineering | Fought legal battles to attend segregated classes required for an engineering degree, ultimately becoming the first African American female engineer at NASA. |
| Lasting Legacy | Her perseverance opened doors for future generations of women and minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, leaving an indelible mark on both space exploration and civil rights. |
Mary Jackson's story in Hidden Figures illustrates her pivotal role in the space race, not just through her mathematical prowess but also through her courageous fight against segregation and her groundbreaking achievement as a trailblazing engineer.
