Mary Jackson

Mary Jackson was a renowned engineer and mathematician who worked at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). She was a trailblazer for African American women in the field of engineering, paving the way for future generations of women to pursue careers in STEM fields, including Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Christine Darden. Jackson's work at NASA was instrumental in the success of many space missions, including the Apollo 11 mission, which was crewed by Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. Her contributions to the field of engineering were recognized by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and President Barack Obama.

● Early Life and Education

Mary Jackson was born on April 9, 1921, in Hampton, Virginia, to Frank Winston and Ella Scott Winston. She grew up in a segregated community, attending Phenix High School and later enrolling at Hampton University, where she studied mathematics and physical science. Jackson's education was influenced by her mathematics teacher, who encouraged her to pursue a career in engineering. After graduating from Hampton University in 1942, Jackson began working as a math teacher at King Street Elementary School in Hampton, Virginia, and later as a bookkeeper at the National Council of Negro Women.

● Career

In 1951, Jackson began working at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) as a mathematician, where she was assigned to the West Area Computing Unit, a segregated unit of African American female mathematicians, including Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan. Jackson's work at NACA involved conducting wind tunnel tests and analyzing data for aerospace engineering projects, including the X-15 rocket plane, which was piloted by Scott Crossfield and Joe Walker. In 1958, Jackson was promoted to engineer, becoming the first African American female engineer at NASA. She worked on several high-profile projects, including the Mercury-Redstone 3 mission, which launched Alan Shepard into space, and the Gemini 4 mission, which was crewed by James McDivitt and Ed White.

● Legacy

Mary Jackson's legacy extends far beyond her contributions to the field of engineering. She was a trailblazer for African American women in STEM fields, paving the way for future generations of women to pursue careers in engineering, mathematics, and science. Jackson's story was featured in the book Hidden Figures, written by Margot Lee Shetterly, which highlights the contributions of African American women to the NASA space program. The book was later adapted into a film of the same name, starring Taraji P. Henson as Katherine Johnson, Octavia Spencer as Dorothy Vaughan, and Janelle Monáe as Jackson. Jackson's legacy has been recognized by NASA, which has established the Mary W. Jackson NASA Engineering Scholarship in her honor, and by the National Society of Black Engineers, which has awarded her the Golden Torch Award.

● Personal Life

Mary Jackson was married to Levi Jackson and had two children, Levi Jackson Jr. and Carolyn Jackson. She was an active member of her community, serving as a Sunday school teacher at the African Methodist Episcopal Church and as a volunteer at the Hampton University museum. Jackson was also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and the National Council of Negro Women, which was founded by Mary McLeod Bethune. Throughout her life, Jackson remained committed to promoting education and career development opportunities for African American women, and her legacy continues to inspire women and girls around the world, including Mae Jemison, Sally Ride, and Valentina Tereshkova. Category:American engineers