NASA Honors 'Hidden Figures' at Ceremony

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson addressed the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony honoring the 'Hidden Figures'—a group of Black women mathematicians and engineers crucial to the space race from the 1930s to 1970s. The event, hosted by House Speaker Mike Johnson, recognized their significant contributions, including work that helped land astronauts on the Moon during the Apollo Program. Among those honored were Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Dr. Christine Darden. The ceremony is part of the 2019 Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal Act, which aims to celebrate the often-overlooked contributions of these trailblazers. Nelson highlighted their legacy as a foundation for future space exploration, inspiring generations to reach beyond Earth. Families of the honorees will receive the medals, symbolizing recognition of those who paved the way for women in STEM fields.