NASA: Tribute to African-American Mary W. Jackson The new name of NASA headquarters is inspired Mazry by W. Jackson , its first African-American female engineer .
Jackson died in 2005, after working at NASA for several years. In 1951, she began her career with the agency, theNational Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. In her work on research mathematical ", she was known as one of the "human computers.
Jim Bridenstine, NASA Administrator, said in a Tweet on Wednesday that he looks forward to holding an official event for the new name.
«Mary Jackson was the first African-American female engineer at NASA. She developed America and led the way toward integration..»
The story of of color in the notorious service received more attention in 2016 with the release of the film “Hidden Figures.” The film is inspired by the book of the same name, which is based on true events. In the film, singer-actress Janelle Monaeplayed Jackson.
In recent years, NASA has made a big effort to honor these unique women. The street in front of its headquarters is called "Hidden Figures Way," a name that was announced two years ago, in 2019.
In early 2019, the agency renamed its West Virginia Independent Verification and Validation facility to the Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation . Johnson, who had died earlier, was also a mathematics researcher.
The naming of NASA headquarters is another step towards highlighting Hidden Figures, and keeping them in the spotlight.
"We are honored that NASA continues to honor the legacy of our mother and grandmother, Mary W. Jackson. She was a scientist, philanthropist, wife, mother, and pioneer who paved the way for success for thousands of others, not just at NASA, but across the nation," said Jackson's daughter, Carolyn Lewis.
