The Hidden Figures of NASA's Space Program: Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson

As we prepare to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it's important to remember the contributions of African American women in STEM fields, particularly the work of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson at NASA during the Civil Rights Movement. These three women, known as the "hidden figures," were instrumental in the early days of America's space program, and their work helped to pave the way for future generations of scientists and engineers.

Katherine Johnson, a mathematician, began working at NASA in 1953 as a "computer," a term used at the time to describe people who performed mathematical calculations by hand. Despite facing discrimination and racism in the workplace, she worked on the team that calculated the trajectories for the first American in space, Alan Shepard, and for the first American to orbit the Earth, John Glenn. Her work was vital to the success of these missions, and her calculations were used to program the electronic computers of the time.

Johnson's work at NASA continued for 35 years, during which she also worked on the Apollo Moon landing program, as well as the Space Shuttle program. She retired in 1986, but her legacy continues to inspire many, particularly women and people of color in STEM fields.

In 2015, President Obama awarded Johnson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, for her work in mathematics and her contributions to the space program.

Dorothy Vaughan, also a mathematician, was one of the first African American women to work as a supervisor at NASA. She led a group of African American women mathematicians, known as "human computers," who performed calculations by hand. Despite facing discrimination, she was instrumental in the implementation of electronic computers at NASA, and she trained her team to use the new IBM machine, becoming the first African American woman to do so.

Mary Jackson, an aerospace engineer, began working at NASA in 1951 as a mathematician. She was the first African American woman to be promoted to engineer at NASA, and her work focused on the aerodynamics of supersonic flight. Despite facing discrimination, she also worked on the Apollo Moon landing program.

Their story, along with their colleagues, were known as the "hidden figures" at NASA, as their contributions to the space program were not widely recognized at the time. But in 2016, the book "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly was adapted into a film of the same name, which tells the story of Johnson, Vaughan, and Jackson, and their experiences working at NASA during the Civil Rights Movement. The film starred Taraji P. Henson as Katherine Johnson, Octavia Spencer as DoroVaughan, and Janelle Monáe as Mary Jackson, and was a commercial and critical success. Hidden Figures brought attention to the contributions of these women and helped to shine a light on the often-overlooked contributions of African American women in STEM fields.

It's worth mentioning that while the film "Hidden Figures" brings attention to the contributions of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, it is not a complete representation of all the African American women mathematicians at NASA during the Civil Rights Movement. One of the notable missing figures from the film is Christine Darden, a mathematician, and aerospace engineer, who was also one of the "hidden figures" team and a colleague of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. However, it is important to recognize the contributions of all the women who worked at NASA during that time. To acknowledge that their stories are worth telling, we will be dedicating a separate entry for Christine Darden, where her work and achievements will be highlighted.

As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let's remember the legacy of these trailblazing women who, despite facing discrimination and racism, made significant contributions to their field and helped to pave the way for future generations. Their story is a reminder that everyone should have equal opportunities, and that diversity and inclusion are essential in any field, particularly in STEM.

Celebrating Naomi Osaka: A Haitian-Japanese Tennis Superstar's Triumphant Journey

As we celebrate Haitian history month, it's an apt time to honor Naomi Osaka, a professional tennis player who has made history in the sport while embracing her Haitian and Japanese heritage.

Born in Osaka, Japan to a Haitian father and a Japanese mother, Naomi Osaka has always had a unique cultural background that has influenced her upbringing and career. In 2018, she made her breakout performance by defeating Serena Williams in the US Open final, becoming the first player from Japan to win a Grand Slam singles title. This was not only a huge accomplishment for Osaka as a tennis player, but also as a young woman of Haitian descent, and it helped to spark a conversation about diversity and representation in the world of tennis.

Her victory at the US Open was a proud moment for both Japan and Haiti, her dual heritage, and she continued to make history in the following year by winning the Australian Open and becoming the first Asian player to hold the number one ranking in women's singles.

But despite her on-court success, Naomi has been very open about her struggles with mental health, and her decision to take an indefinite hiatus from the sport. After withdrawing from the French Open in 2021 and being fined for not participating in required media appearances, Naomi took a break to focus on her well-being.

During her break, Naomi has found a new love and appreciation for the game she has dedicated her life to, and has used the time to pursue other interests, such as launching her own sports agency and publishing a children's book. She also revealed that her relationship with rapper Cordae has been a source of support and motivation for her.

Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka recently announced that she is pregnant, and plans to return to the tennis court in the near future. Sharing the news on social media, along with a photo of a sonogram and heartfelt messages in both Japanese and English. The 25-year-old athlete, who has risen to fame after winning her first four Grand Slam tournaments, also mentioned her excitement at the thought of her child watching one of her matches and telling others, "that's my mom".

While she did previously announce her withdrawal from the 2023 Australian open, Osaka has confirmed that she plans to compete in the tournament in 2024!

As a Haitian-Japanese woman, Naomi's unique background and diverse upbringing is something that we can all take inspiration from, and it's a powerful reminder of the diversity and strength of Haitian and Japanese cultures. Her achievement as a professional athlete, while also being a mother, will be an inspiration to so many, and we honor her for it this Haitian history month. Naomi Osaka is an embodiment of resilience, hard work, and dedication, and her journey is a reminder that with good intentions, we will eventually find our way.

Real Revolutions: "The Rubicon: Crossing the Line of No Return"

It's only fitting that I write the article about the man I'm named after. Introduction

On January 10th, 49 BC, Julius Caesar stood at a crossroads. As he looked across the Rubicon river, he was faced with a choice: obey the Roman Senate and turn back, or cross the river and march on Rome, signaling the start of a civil war. With the famous words "alea iacta est" (the die is cast), Caesar chose the latter, and thus began one of the most pivotal moments in Roman history.

The Historical Significance of the Rubicon The Roman Republic, which had been in existence for nearly 500 years, was in a state of crisis. Political corruption and power struggles had left the government in disarray, and the Roman people were growing increasingly discontent. Caesar, a highly successful military general, had become increasingly popular among the people, and the Senate, fearing his growing power, ordered him to disband his army and return to Rome. However, Caesar knew that if he did so, his political enemies would move to destroy him and he would lose his position of power. He saw that crossing the Rubicon with his army was his only option. By crossing the river and making his way to Rome, Caesar was effectively declaring war on the Roman Senate, and thus beginning a civil war.

Caesar's decision to cross the Rubicon had far-reaching consequences. The civil war that ensued would last for several years and ultimately result in the end of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. Caesar's reign would mark the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire. To many of the Roman people, he was a savior, a man who would bring order and stability to a government that had become corrupt and ineffective. This is reflected in the first Latin phrase, "Arma Virumque Cano" (Of Arms and the Man I sing)

Caesar as a Leader As we look at the decision of crossing the Rubicon, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of leadership and decision-making in times of crisis. Caesar's actions exemplify the "Carpe Diem" mindset of seizing the opportunity and taking control of his own destiny. Despite the uncertain future, Caesar's decision to cross the Rubicon was a moment of great courage. The famous phrase of "Veni, Vidi, Vici" (I came, I saw, I conquered) summarizes Caesar's victory after crossing the Rubicon. This phrase is famous for the brevity and braggadocio in which Caesar was able to report his victory.

Lesson for Business and Marketing

The story of Julius Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership and decision-making in times of crisis. In business, as in politics, leaders must be willing to make difficult decisions, even if it means going against the status quo or risking everything they have. Caesar's example should inspire us to seize opportunities and make difficult decisions in order to shape the course of history. Daniel 2:21, speaks of the succession of empires that have had significant effects on the world. It states that "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings." The rise of Julius Caesar and the Roman Empire could be seen as the fulfillment of this prophecy. From my point of view, the story of the Rubicon is a powerful illustration of the way in which God's hand is at work in the affairs of men, bringing about His plans and purposes for history.

Conclusion

The crossing of the Rubicon by Julius Caesar is a pivotal moment in history that marked the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of leadership and decision-making in times of crisis. Caesar's courage and determination to seize the opportunity and take control of his own destiny should be an inspiration to us all. Additionally, from a Christian worldview, it serves as an example of how the fulfillment of biblical prophecy plays out in human history.

Caesar's actions, and the events that followed, had far-reaching consequences, shaping the course of history for centuries to come. The story of the Rubicon serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences that can come from indecision, and a reminder of the importance of having the courage to make difficult decisions when faced with a crisis. As business leaders, we can learn from Caesar's example and be willing to take bold actions when the situation calls for it. In the end, it is often the individuals who are willing to take risks and seize opportunities that are able to shape the course of history, not just for themselves, but for future generations as well.