“Like what you do, and then you will do your best.”
— Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson
Katherine Johnson (1918–2020) was a brilliant mathematician whose calculations were essential to NASA’s early space missions. As one of the first African-American women to work as a NASA scientist, her work helped launch astronauts into orbit and safely return them to Earth, including the mission that brought Apollo 11 to the Moon.
Her story remained largely unknown to the public until it was spotlighted in the book and film Hidden Figures, which revealed the contributions of Black women mathematicians during the space race. Katherine’s intelligence, persistence, and grace broke down both racial and gender barriers.
✨ Why Katherine Johnson Was Chosen for Voices That Rise
Katherine Johnson was chosen because she transformed silence into legacy. At a time when both her race and gender were seen as barriers, she rose through brilliance and tenacity, rewriting not only equations but also history itself. Her legacy reminds us that often the most powerful voices are the ones long left unheard—and that truth and excellence always find a way to shine.
📚 Explore Her Legacy
💬 Have a Voice You’d Like to See Rise?
The gallery is always growing. If there’s a quote, person, or story that’s moved you — let me know. Because every voice that rises leaves a light behind.