Mary Jackson, African American mathematician and aerospace engineer (d. 2005)

Mary Jackson (née Winston), born on April 9, 1921, and passing on February 11, 2005, was an extraordinary American mathematician and aerospace engineer whose groundbreaking work significantly contributed to the early triumphs of space exploration. Her illustrious career unfolded primarily at the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, initially under the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which would famously transition into the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in 1958.

Jackson's journey at Langley began in 1951 as a "computer" within the segregated West Area Computing division. In an era where human intellect and painstaking calculations were the backbone of aerospace research, these dedicated women, often referred to as "human computers," performed complex mathematical computations by hand. The term "segregated" underscores the harsh reality of racial discrimination prevalent during that period, where separate facilities and unequal opportunities were unfortunately commonplace.

Pioneering Engineer and Barrier Breaker

Despite the systemic barriers, Mary Jackson's ambition and brilliance shone through. She pursued advanced engineering classes, a challenging endeavor that required special permission to attend courses held at a then-segregated Hampton High School. Her perseverance paid off when, in 1958, she achieved a truly monumental feat: becoming NASA's first Black female engineer. This achievement was not merely a personal triumph but a significant stride forward for diversity and inclusion in a field overwhelmingly dominated by white men.

For over three decades, Mary Jackson dedicated herself to NASA, accumulating 34 years of service. Her exceptional skills and unwavering commitment led her to earn the most senior engineering title available within the agency. However, she recognized that further promotions in engineering leadership required supervisory roles, which, at that time, presented an insurmountable ceiling for her.

A New Mission: Advocacy for Equality

Faced with this professional plateau, Jackson made a pivotal decision that redefined her legacy. She willingly accepted a demotion from her esteemed engineering position to become a manager within the NASA Office of Equal Opportunity Programs. In this vital new role, she helmed both the Federal Women's Program and the Affirmative Action Program. Her commitment to ensuring fair treatment and expanding opportunities was profound; she dedicated herself to influencing the hiring and promotion of women across NASA's critical science, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers. Her work in this capacity helped lay the groundwork for a more equitable future at the agency, directly impacting countless careers.

Enduring Legacy and Recognition

Mary Jackson's remarkable life and career gained widespread public recognition through the 2016 non-fiction book, Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race. Her story, alongside those of Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan, was brought to an even broader audience with the critically acclaimed film adaptation, Hidden Figures, released in the same year, where she was portrayed as one of the three inspiring protagonists.

The significance of her contributions continued to be celebrated posthumously. In 2019, Mary Jackson was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, acknowledging her trailblazing efforts and indelible impact. Two years later, in 2021, the Washington, D.C. headquarters of NASA was officially renamed the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters, a fitting and lasting tribute to a woman who broke barriers, inspired generations, and left an extraordinary mark on the history of space exploration and civil rights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mary Jackson

Who was Mary Jackson?

Mary Jackson was a pioneering American mathematician and aerospace engineer who worked for NACA and later NASA. She is renowned for becoming NASA's first Black female engineer and for her subsequent work advocating for women and minorities in STEM careers at the agency.

What was her initial role at NASA (then NACA)?

She began her career in 1951 as a "human computer" in the segregated West Area Computing division at the Langley Research Center, performing complex mathematical calculations manually.

What significant barrier did she break in her career?

In 1958, after taking advanced engineering classes, Mary Jackson became NASA's first Black female engineer, a groundbreaking achievement at a time of widespread racial and gender discrimination.

Why did she switch from engineering to an administrative role?

After reaching the highest engineering title, Jackson realized she could not advance further without becoming a supervisor. She accepted a demotion to manage the Federal Women's Program and Affirmative Action Program, choosing to dedicate her efforts to advocating for the hiring and promotion of women and minorities in STEM at NASA.

How was Mary Jackson's story brought to public attention?

Her life and contributions were popularized by the 2016 non-fiction book Hidden Figures and its subsequent film adaptation, which highlighted the crucial roles of Black female mathematicians and engineers at NASA during the Space Race.

What posthumous honors has Mary Jackson received?

Mary Jackson was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2019. In 2021, NASA's headquarters in Washington, D.C., was renamed the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters in her honor, solidifying her lasting legacy.