NASA’s headquarters in Washington will soon bear the name of the organization’s first black female engineer, Mary Jackson.
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine referenced the film Hidden Figures, which detailed the work of the female scientist who worked in a segregated wing to help in the moon landing and said that he hopes the name change will help to ensure that the contributions of Jackson and her colleagues are no longer hidden.
“Mary W. Jackson was part of a group of very important women who helped NASA succeed in getting American astronauts into space. Mary never accepted the status quo. She helped break barriers and open opportunities for black people and women in the field of engineering and technology,” said Bridenstine.
“Today, we proudly announce the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building. It appropriately sits on ‘Hidden Figures Way,’ a reminder that Mary is one of many incredible and talented professionals in NASA’s history who contributed to this agency’s success. Hidden no more, we will continue to recognize the contributions of women, African Americans, and people of all backgrounds who have helped construct NASA’s successful history to explore,” he said.
The road referenced by Bridenstein, Hidden Figures Way, was renamed in 2019 after a bill authored by Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and John Thune of South Dakota, as well as Democratic Sens. Bill Nelson of Florida and Ed Markey of Massachusetts, passed through Congress in 2018.
Jackson died in 2005. Her daughter, Carolyn Lewis, said the family is honored by NASA’s decision to honor her mother posthumously.
“We are honored that NASA continues to celebrate the legacy of our mother and grandmother Mary W. Jackson,” Lewis said. “She was a scientist, humanitarian, wife, mother, and trailblazer who paved the way for thousands of others to succeed, not only at NASA but throughout this nation.”
Bridenstine said naming the Washington headquarters after Jackson is one of several steps the organization is taking to celebrate diversity.
“NASA facilities across the country are named after people who dedicated their lives to push the frontiers of the aerospace industry. The nation is beginning to awaken to the greater need to honor the full diversity of people who helped pioneer our great nation. Over the years, NASA has worked to honor the work of these hidden figures in various ways, including naming facilities, renaming streets, and celebrating their legacy,” added Bridenstine.
“We know there are many other people of color and diverse backgrounds who have contributed to our success, which is why we’re continuing the conversations started about a year ago with the agency’s Unity Campaign. NASA is dedicated to advancing diversity, and we will continue to take steps to do so,” he said.
