Everyday She Has to Run 800-M Because There are No Toilets for Black People in Her Office

Summary

The story follows Catherine, a brilliant 10-year-old Black girl in 1926 America, who overcomes racial barriers to excel in mathematics. Despite the oppressive segregation, she earns a place at NASA, where her intelligence helps in calculating crucial rocket launch coordinates. Alongside her friends Dorothy and Mary, they navigate racism, struggle for equal recognition, and make pivotal contributions to space exploration. The narrative highlights their resilience in fighting discrimination and the significant impact of their work in the U.S. space race against Russia.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Catherine, a brilliant 10-year-old, skips multiple grades and gains admission to a prestigious junior high school, showcasing her exceptional mathematical abilities.
• 🚀 As adults, Catherine, Dorothy, and Mary work at NASA as 'computers', overcoming racial barriers in the 1960s while contributing to the space program.
• 🛠️ Despite facing racial discrimination, including separate restrooms and workplace challenges, these women persist, demonstrating resilience and determination.
• 🏆 Catherine's mathematical prowess is crucial in solving complex rocket launch coordinate data, highlighting her vital role in the space race.
• 🚦 The script illustrates the systemic racism and segregation that African Americans, including these NASA employees, had to endure in various public and professional spaces.
• 📈 Dorothy's ambition for a promotion and her subsequent mastery of NASA's new calculating machine reflect the struggle for recognition and equal opportunities.
• 🎓 Mary's pursuit to become a rocket assembly technician and her legal fight to attend a white university underscore the challenges and progress in civil rights.
• 🏁 The narrative captures a pivotal moment in history with the successful launch of the first American rocket into space, a collective achievement that includes the contributions of these women.
• 🏆 The script highlights the personal sacrifices and professional triumphs of these women, including Catherine's marriage and the team's collective effort in space exploration.
• 🌌 The story concludes with a sense of hope and progress, as the characters' struggles lead to incremental changes in racial attitudes and opportunities within NASA and society.

Q & A

At what age did Catherine receive a scholarship to skip elementary school and go straight to junior high school?

Catherine received a scholarship to skip elementary school and go straight to the second grade of junior high school at the age of 10.

What challenges did Catherine face due to racial discrimination in the 1920s America?

In the 1920s America, Catherine faced severe racial discrimination where public facilities were distinguished by the color of one's skin, such as toilets, hospitals, schools, and even wash basins. Black people were highly suspicious and faced restrictions on where they could stop on the road.

What was Catherine's profession at NASA, and what was her role in the space program?

Catherine worked as an accountant at NASA and was later transferred to the space research division where she was tasked with solving complex rocket launch coordinate data formulas.

Why did the police initially hesitate to help Catherine, Dorothy, and Mary when their car broke down?

The police initially hesitated to help because in those days, black people were highly suspicious and even forbidden to stop on the road carelessly. They would be arrested if they stopped without a valid reason.

What was the significance of the coffee pot marked 'specifically for blacks' in the script?

The coffee pot marked 'specifically for blacks' symbolized the racial segregation and discrimination that Catherine and her colleagues had to endure at NASA. It highlighted the systemic racism that was prevalent during that time.

Why was Dorothy denied a promotion to room supervisor despite her experience?

Dorothy was denied a promotion to room supervisor because her boss, Michelle, arrogantly thought Dorothy was against her and threatened to fire her if she continued to demand a promotion.

What was the main reason Mary's application to become a rocket assembly technician was rejected?

Mary's application to become a rocket assembly technician was rejected because she had not fulfilled one main requirement: she was not a white graduate of the university. Despite her knowledge and skills, her race and educational background were seen as disqualifying factors.

How did Catherine manage to solve the complex rocket launch coordinate data formula that had stumped the entire research team?

Catherine managed to solve the complex rocket launch coordinate data formula by working directly on the blackboard, using her exceptional mathematical skills and intelligence that had been recognized since her childhood.

What was the turning point for Catherine at NASA when she was allowed to participate in critical meetings?

The turning point for Catherine was when she was desperate to ask her boss directly for permission to attend meetings so she could always be up to date with the latest data, and he finally allowed her into the meeting room.

How did the success of the American rocket launch impact the characters' lives and NASA's future?

The success of the American rocket launch led to the characters receiving an award from President John F. Kennedy, and it paved the way for further space exploration. It also marked a significant step towards breaking racial barriers and recognizing the contributions of African American scientists and engineers at NASA.