Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Last updated: Jul 17, 2023

Summary of Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly is a non-fiction book that tells the incredible true story of the African-American women mathematicians who played a vital role in the early years of the United States space program.

The book begins by introducing the reader to the segregated town of Hampton, Virginia, where the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) had established a research center in the 1930s. Despite the racial discrimination prevalent at the time, NACA was in need of skilled mathematicians to perform complex calculations for their aeronautical research.

Shetterly focuses on the lives and achievements of four remarkable women: Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden. These women, known as "human computers," were highly skilled mathematicians who worked in the segregated West Area Computing Unit at Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory.

Dorothy Vaughan, the first African-American supervisor at NACA, was responsible for managing the group of African-American women mathematicians. She was a trailblazer who fought for equal opportunities and recognition for her team.

Mary Jackson, a talented mathematician, faced numerous obstacles in her pursuit of an engineering degree. She eventually became NASA's first African-American female engineer, breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations.

Katherine Johnson, perhaps the most well-known of the group, was a mathematical genius who calculated the trajectories for the Mercury and Apollo space missions. Her contributions were crucial to the success of these missions, and she played a pivotal role in the integration of African-American women into the scientific community.

Christine Darden, another brilliant mathematician, joined NACA in the 1960s and became an expert in supersonic flight. She faced discrimination and prejudice but persevered, eventually becoming one of the leading experts in her field.

Throughout the book, Shetterly explores the challenges these women faced as they navigated a society that was not yet ready to accept their talents and contributions. She highlights the importance of their work and the impact they had on the space program, as well as the broader civil rights movement.

Hidden Figures is a powerful and inspiring account of the untold stories of these remarkable women. It sheds light on their struggles, triumphs, and the significant role they played in shaping American history. Shetterly's meticulous research and engaging storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the history of science, civil rights, and the indomitable human spirit.

1. The Power of Perseverance

One of the most inspiring takeaways from Hidden Figures is the power of perseverance. The book tells the story of a group of African-American women who faced numerous obstacles and discrimination while working at NASA during the Space Race. Despite these challenges, they never gave up on their dreams and continued to work hard to prove their worth. Their determination and resilience serve as a reminder that with perseverance, anything is possible.

This takeaway is actionable because it encourages individuals to never give up on their goals, no matter how difficult the journey may be. It reminds us that setbacks and obstacles are a natural part of life, but they should not deter us from pursuing our dreams. By staying focused, working hard, and maintaining a positive mindset, we can overcome any challenges that come our way.

2. The Importance of Diversity

Hidden Figures highlights the importance of diversity in the workplace and in society as a whole. The book sheds light on the significant contributions made by African-American women at NASA, who were often overlooked and underestimated due to their race and gender. It emphasizes the value of diverse perspectives and experiences, as it was the unique backgrounds of these women that allowed them to make groundbreaking contributions to the field of aerospace engineering.

This takeaway is profound because it challenges the notion that only certain individuals or groups are capable of achieving greatness. It reminds us that diversity is not just a buzzword, but a crucial element for innovation and progress. By embracing diversity and creating inclusive environments, we can tap into the full potential of all individuals and foster a more equitable society.

3. The Impact of Mentoring

Hidden Figures showcases the profound impact of mentoring on personal and professional growth. The book highlights the mentorship relationships between the African-American women at NASA and their colleagues, who provided guidance, support, and opportunities for advancement. These mentors played a crucial role in helping the women navigate the challenges they faced and achieve their goals.

This takeaway is original to general knowledge because it emphasizes the importance of mentorship in overcoming barriers and achieving success. It reminds us that we all have the power to make a difference in someone's life by offering guidance and support. By actively seeking out mentors and being open to mentoring others, we can create a culture of learning and growth that benefits everyone involved.

4. Breaking Stereotypes

Hidden Figures challenges stereotypes and biases by showcasing the intelligence, talent, and resilience of African-American women in the field of science and engineering. The book highlights the groundbreaking achievements of these women, who defied societal expectations and proved that anyone, regardless of their race or gender, can excel in STEM fields.

This takeaway is actionable because it encourages individuals to challenge stereotypes and biases in their own lives. It reminds us to question assumptions and recognize the potential in everyone, regardless of their background. By breaking stereotypes and promoting inclusivity, we can create a more equal and diverse society.

5. The Power of Collaboration

Hidden Figures demonstrates the power of collaboration and teamwork in achieving extraordinary results. The book showcases how the African-American women at NASA worked together, supporting and uplifting each other, to overcome challenges and make significant contributions to the space program.

This takeaway is profound because it highlights the importance of collaboration in achieving collective goals. It reminds us that by working together and leveraging each other's strengths, we can accomplish more than we could on our own. By fostering a culture of collaboration and teamwork, we can drive innovation and create lasting impact.

6. Overcoming Adversity

Hidden Figures is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. The book portrays the challenges faced by the African-American women at NASA, including racial segregation, discrimination, and limited opportunities for advancement. Despite these obstacles, the women persevered and made significant contributions to the space program.

This takeaway is original to general knowledge because it highlights the resilience and strength of individuals in the face of adversity. It reminds us that no matter how difficult our circumstances may be, we have the power to overcome and achieve greatness. By adopting a resilient mindset and refusing to be defined by our challenges, we can overcome adversity and create a better future.

7. The Importance of Education

Hidden Figures emphasizes the importance of education in unlocking opportunities and achieving success. The book showcases how the African-American women at NASA pursued higher education and continuously sought to expand their knowledge and skills. Their dedication to learning played a crucial role in their professional growth and ability to make significant contributions to the space program.

This takeaway is actionable because it highlights the value of education in personal and professional development. It reminds us to prioritize learning and continuously seek opportunities for growth. By investing in our education and acquiring new knowledge, we can unlock doors to new possibilities and reach our full potential.

8. Inspiring Future Generations

Hidden Figures serves as an inspiration for future generations, particularly young girls and minorities, by showcasing the achievements of African-American women in STEM fields. The book encourages individuals to dream big, pursue their passions, and believe in their abilities, regardless of societal expectations or limitations.

This takeaway is profound because it emphasizes the importance of representation and role models in inspiring and empowering others. It reminds us that by sharing stories of underrepresented individuals who have achieved greatness, we can inspire future generations to break barriers and pursue their dreams. By actively promoting diversity and inclusion in all fields, we can create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.