By Margery Hannah
Hidden Figures author Margot Lee Shetterly recently contacted me regarding a long-nurtured, exciting initiative: The Human Computer Project, a comprehensive database of all the women who worked as computers, mathematicians, engineers, and scientists during the early years of the NACA and NASA. “I started the Human Computer Project because I realized that the larger story of Hidden Figures wasn’t about the exceptional few, but about the talented many.”
As many narrative profiles of the women as possible will be included in the initiative, and my paternal great-aunt Marge–for whom I am named–is at the top of the list. Aunt Marge was an engineer at NASA’s Langley Research Center, and notably featured in Shetterly’s Hidden Figures. She was a white section chief of the West Area Computing unit, a group primarily composed of Black female mathematicians and engineers. Aunt Marge treated the West Area women with respect and invited some to work-related social events at her home, which was quite progressive for the time and made her a pariah among her white peers.
“Women of all backgrounds worked at NASA and similar organizations as computers, math aides, mathematicians, and even engineers and scientists, contributing to science and to society in ways that had previously gone unacknowledged,” Margot shared.“ We are hoping to give them their long overdue recognition.”
Aunt Marge’s role in Hidden Figures was significant in that she eventually moved to the Full-Scale Research Division and published scientific papers under her own name, becoming one of the early female pioneers at Langley. When she left her position, it was first passed to her assistant, Blanche Sponsler, and then to Dorothy Vaughan, making Vaughan Langley’s first Black section head.
Mrs. Shetterly and I first communicated around eight years ago, around the time her book was released. I told her how Aunt Marge was a phenomenal woman, towering around 6′ feet tall and teaching me about astronomy during in-town visits without the impression of being taught; one simply learned. “She sent all types of NASA goodies to me when I was a child growing up in Wichita, Kansas. It just so happens her only nephew married a Black woman,” I noted, “and had three children, the youngest myself.” I was simply fascinated by Aunt Marge being included in her book, and by the fact she led a cohort of Black women.
Now, almost a decade later, Shetterly kindly asked if I’d be open to doing an interview with one of her researchers. She mentioned regretting not knowing about me while conducting research for the book because any time Aunt Marge’s name came up in interviews, it was “with the highest praise for her work and for her independent-minded humanity.”
During and after my interview with one of Margot’s researchers, I found myself reflecting on many life parallels. Like my Aunt Marge: I moved cross-country to pursue career opportunities; I survived cancer; I relentlessly pursue learning; I like gold chains and pendants; I use fashion to make statements; I consider integrity a love language; I am passionate about geneology; my name is Margery Elizabeth Hannah. When I faced many odds but wanted to be a writer, she advised, “Just keep writing.” The interview not only allowed me to learn factual details about Aunt Marge’s professional achievements, but to share some of the nuances of her personal life, character, and interests. The process has been incredibly rewarding, and it underscores the importance of legacy. My aunt’s story is one of perseverance, intellect, and a profound sense of justice. She broke barriers and laid the groundwork for future generations of women in STEM. As of recent data, women represent about 34% of STEM workers, representing 44% of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher and 26% of those without a bachelor’s degree (Census.gov).
As a Black woman and a writer, understanding and documenting Aunt Marge’s journey has been a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of our struggles and triumphs. Her legacy is not just a family treasure but a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who dare to dream and strive against the odds.
Margot Lee Shetterly founded the Human Computer Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, in 2014. This initiative is dedicated to recovering and honoring the names and accomplishments of women who worked as computers, mathematicians, scientists, and engineers from the 1930s to the 1980s. The project serves as a companion to her book Hidden Figures, and the database aims to launch in 2025. Additionally, Shetterly has announced a partnership with the University of Virginia (UVA) to further the historical research initiated in her book. This collaboration will provide unique opportunities for both students and faculty at UVA to support the project.
Chelle A. Carter-Wilson