Hidden Figures Summary

The narrative centers on African American women diligently serving at Langley Aeronautical Laboratory in Hampton, Virginia, beginning in the early 1940s. Their essential participation in the progression of American aerospace and aviation technology, despite racially and sexually biased hurdles, is noteworthy. Initially, the women are employed in an exclusively Black unit as human "calculators," executing calculations under engineer's guidance. As the lab integrates over the years, these women become part of engineering teams working alongside white men. By the 1960s, their work extends to the Mercury and Apollo space missions, contributing significantly to putting a man in orbit and eventually on the moon.

The narrative's focus narrows down to three women. Dorothy Vaughan, who joined Langley in 1943, is a skilled organizer and a relentless individual. Her leadership skills lead her to become a shift supervisor, later ascending as the head of the unit. Her responsibility includes allocating the best-suited assignments to the women under her. The unit eventually disbands due to the women's increased integration into various engineering teams and the onset of electronic computers. Mary Jackson, who begins work under Dorothy in 1951, has a strong character and does not shy away from voicing her opinions. Accepting an offer to join a wind tunnel research team, she later earns an engineering degree with special permission, as the classes were held in an all-white high school.

Katherine Johnson becomes part of the unit in 1953. She is less perturbed by the era's racial and social norms than her colleagues. Being light-skinned gives her a practical advantage, yet her ability to overlook racism and treat her white male counterparts as equals stands out. Her unique talent lands her a place on the Flight Research team and she becomes a trusted data analyst. Noteworthy is John Glenn's specific request for her to verify the electronic computer's output before his space journey. As the nation gradually moves towards racial equality, Mary and Katherine inspire young black students interested in science and mentor new African American recruits at Langley. Among them is Christine Mann, who studied with Katherine’s daughter at an all-Black college. By the time of the moon landing in 1969, despite lingering racial bias, a new generation of individuals like Christine continues to rise within NASA, inspired by the trailblazing trio.