Another American Hero Passes Into the Great Beyond

Everyone knows that being black in the American South in the 1960s and before was a difficult experience.  One of the things I liked about the movie Hidden Figures, about black American women who worked for NASA in the 60s, was that it told the story without hitting you in the head with a 2x4 about the racism.  The story was plenty strong, not needing even subtle use of the "r word" while still getting the point across.

It was based on the true story of three black American women, one of whom died today:

(Katherine) Johnson, a pioneering mathematician who, along with a group of other brilliant black women, made US space travel possible, died this week. She was 101. 

 

NASA announced Johnson's death on Monday. 

 

Johnson was part of NASA's "Computer Pool," a group of mathematicians whose data powered NASA's first successful space missions. The group's success largely hinged on the accomplishments of its black women members.

Her work went largely unrecognized until the release of 2016's "Hidden Figures," a film portrayal of Johnson's accomplishments while the space agency was still largely segregated. 

I find it hard to feel sad for her.  She made it 101 years on this earth--that's a good, long life.  If I'm to feel sad, it's for those who continue life without her.

We've lost a good mathematician, a good American, and by all accounts a good person.  Godspeed.