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The West Area Computing Unit, a segregated division at Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory, was formed. It offered opportunities for African American women mathematicians to work as 'computers', playing a pivotal role in aviation and, later, space research.

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President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 8802, banning discriminatory employment practices by Federal agencies and all unions and companies engaged in war-related work. This order was a crucial step towards racial desegregation and equality in the workplace.

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1951: Start of Katherine Johnson's Career at NASA

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1951: Start of Katherine Johnson's Career at NASA

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Katherine Johnson, a pivotal figure in "Hidden Figures", began her career with NASA's predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). Her mathematical calculations would later become critical for the success of U.S. spaceflights.

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The Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the world's first artificial satellite, marking the beginning of the space race between the USSR and the USA. This event underscored the importance of advances in mathematics and physical sciences, including the work done by the women of West Computing.

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The Freedom Rides of 1961 were a series of bus trips through the American South to protest segregated bus terminals. They were a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, reflecting the broader fight against racial segregation that also impacted institutions like NASA.

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John Glenn's successful orbital flight around Earth was made possible by the calculations of Katherine Johnson, showcasing the critical role of women, particularly African American women, in the U.S. space program.

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The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963 was a landmark event in the civil rights movement. It highlighted the demand for the end of racial discrimination and for economic justice, setting the stage for the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This was a significant victory for the civil rights movement and marked an important step towards racial equality in the workplace.

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Sally Ride became the first American woman to go into space in 1983, marking a significant moment for women in the sciences and space exploration. Her journey was an inspiration to countless women and girls interested in STEM fields.

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Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to travel in space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992. Her journey represented the breakdown of barriers for women and African Americans in space exploration and STEM fields.