- Dorothy Vaughan was born in Kansas City Missouri on September 20th, 1910.
- Graduated from Beechurst High School in 1925
- She acquired a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics at Wilberforce University in 1929
- Hired by NACA* in 1943
*National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics
- Worked closely with Katherine G. Johnson and Mary Jackson on the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit
- Retired from NASA in 1971
- Died November 10, 2008
- Portrayed in the Movie Hidden Figures (2016) by Octavia Spencer
- Due to an executive order (8802) signed by President Roosevelt, Dorothy was allowed to keep her job, but was separated from the white workers, due to her skin color.
- Separations included bathrooms, dining halls and work quarters.
Dorothy Vaughan: A Hidden Figure
"I" Statement
I appreciate that Dorothy went through a time where being a woman, black, and intelligent seemed unprecedented, and showing the exact opposite. She worked hard no matter what others thought about her and did not let let other's foolish beliefs deter her from enlightenment. I strive to be the type of courageous individual she was
Overcoming "Color"
- Because of Dorothy and individuals similar to her, African-Americans were seen as equals in the scientific community, ridding it of the archaic idea that skin color can predicts one's future and outcome.
About Dorothy
The Old Logo
- In 1949, Dorothy became the very first black NACA Supervisor
The New Logo of NASA
- With this title, Dorothy was able to collaborate with many other well-known computer operators and advocated for the female workers, black and white.
- In 1958, as NACA had changed to the NASA we know today, the segregated practices and facilities were abolished.
Bibliography
- Despite her skin color, Dorothy was able to contribute to various important projects, such as the Scout Launch Vehicle Program.
- Loff, Sarah. “Dorothy Vaughan Biography.” NASA, NASA, 22 Nov. 2016, www.nasa.gov/content/dorothy-vaughan-biography.
- “Dorothy Johnson Vaughan.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 27 Feb. 2018, www.biography.com/people/dorothy-johnson-vaughan-111416.
What Did She Do?
- Abandoning her math teacher position at Robert Russa Moton High School, Dorothy joined the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory in 1943 with the impression of it being a temporary job.
Example of Segregated Restrooms
Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory