NASA Dedicates Street to ‘Hidden Figures’

By N. Jamiyla Chisholm Jun 13, 2019

The real-life stars of Margot Lee Shetterly’s hit book “Hidden Figures” and the blockbuster film of the same nameMary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan—and “all women who have dedicated their lives to honorably serving their country, advancing equality and contributing to the space program of the United States”—were honored at NASA’s headquarters yesterday (June 12) during the dedication ceremony for Hidden Figures Way, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced in a statement.

The impetus to rename the Washington, D.C. street as Hidden Figures Way came from an August 2018 bipartisan bill from U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Bill Nelson (Republican, formerly of Florida) and John Thune (R-S.D.). The unveiling was officially commemorated by NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine, Shetterly, Cruz and D.C. Council chairperson Phil Mendelson. Now when people visit NASA Headquarters in the 300 block of E. Street SW, they “will forevermore be reminded of the [Black] women who were essential to the success of early spaceflight,” NASA officials said.