Chapter 02 of 5
West Area Paradox
Entering the world of segregated 'Human Computers' at NACA/NASA.
- The Destination
Arrival at Langley
In 1953, Katherine joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). She stepped into a world of cutting-edge aeronautics and rigid racial divides.
- Spatial Segregation
The West Area
Black female mathematicians were sequestered in the West Area Computing unit. They were physically separated from the white 'East Area' staff by miles of campus.
- Institutional Role
Human Computers
Before digital chips existed, women were hired as 'Human Computers.' Their job was to manually process complex data for male engineers.
17 more cards in this chapter
Could you answer this?
What was the specific name of the segregated unit Katherine Johnson first joined at Langley?
🚀 The Glass Ceiling of Katherine Johnson
- 01The Girl Who Counted StarsThe early life of Katherine Johnson and her pre-NASA academic brilliance.
- 02West Area ParadoxEntering the world of segregated 'Human Computers' at NACA/NASA.
- 03The Power of PersuasionJohnson's fight for a seat at the table in briefing rooms.
- 04The Friendship of TrustThe bond between John Glenn and the woman he trusted with his life.
- 05The Quiet PioneerReflections on a century of resilience and the legacy of the 'Human Computer'.