Katherine Johnson Quotes

A collection of quotes by Katherine Johnson.

Katherine Johnson was an African American mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to the space program of the United States. Born on August 26, 1918, in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, Johnson displayed exceptional mathematical abilities from a young age. Despite the racial and gender barriers of the time, she excelled in her studies and graduated summa cum laude with degrees in mathematics and French.

In 1953, Johnson joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA. Her calculations and analytical skills were instrumental in the successful launch of the first American astronaut, Alan Shepard, into space in 1961, as well as the subsequent Apollo missions.

Johnson's most notable work came during the early years of the space race when she calculated the trajectory for the historic Apollo 11 mission, which landed the first humans on the Moon. Her accuracy and attention to detail were crucial in ensuring the safety of the astronauts.

Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, Johnson's remarkable intellect and perseverance made her a trailblazer for African American women in the fields of mathematics and science. In 2015, her incredible contributions were depicted in the movie "Hidden Figures," which helped bring recognition and appreciation for her impactful work. Katherine Johnson passed away on February 24, 2020, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of excellence and breaking down barriers for generations to come.