Just yesterday, my eldest daughter confided in me that she had woken up in tears during the night. The day before, I had shared the news of Katherine Johnson’s passing at the age of 101. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a trailblazer in the space race, Johnson was a key figure behind my daughter’s fascination with the cosmos.
When Hidden Figures hit theaters, my daughter and I donned our star-patterned shirts and eagerly made our way to witness the magic of Black Girl Magic on the silver screen. We savored popcorn as we were captivated by the performances of Janelle Monáe, Octavia Spencer, and Taraji P. Henson. For us, this film was more than just a story; it was a powerful reminder of the possibilities that awaited someone who looked like my daughter.
Growing up, I was surrounded by countless celebrities and characters in books and films who looked like me. The stories we studied often centered around whiteness, particularly white males, with little regard for women or people of color. Thankfully, my daughter has a wider array of inspiring figures to admire.
After viewing Hidden Figures, my daughter developed an unyielding passion for space exploration. She collected an impressive array of NASA-themed apparel, including shirts, headbands, and socks. When we revamped her room, we chose a gray comforter adorned with golden stars, a perfect reflection of her interests. She immersed herself in books about Mae Jemison, the women of Hidden Figures, and Ron McNair, eventually declaring her dream of becoming a NASA scientist. Last Halloween, she even dressed as one.
When Johnson passed away, I felt a heavy weight in my chest, knowing I had to break the news to my daughter. While some may argue that Johnson’s long life is something to celebrate, her death still holds profound significance for a young girl who admired her so deeply.
Celebrity losses can hit hard, not just for adults but for children too. My social media feeds were flooded with tributes to Kobe Bryant and the tragic helicopter crash that claimed his life and that of his daughter, Gianna. Many mothers relate to Vanessa Bryant’s heartbreak; losing both a partner and a child is unimaginable.
In a way, Katherine Johnson was my daughter’s Kobe Bryant. She embodied the idea that with hard work, education, and resilience, a Black woman can change the world. Despite facing systemic barriers and prejudice, Johnson dedicated over thirty years to NASA, ensuring the safety of astronauts through her brilliant calculations and analyses.
Though we never met Johnson, she became a cherished figure in our lives. We imagined what it would be like to enjoy a cup of tea with her and hear her incredible stories. She was not just a brilliant mathematician; she was a source of inspiration and strength. Her passing felt like a piece of our universe had been torn away.
Navigating the topic of death is never easy, and common phrases like “God needed another angel” can feel empty and unhelpful. For my child, losing her role model means grappling with grief in a way that requires no sugar-coating. It’s important to acknowledge that grief is a natural and necessary part of life.
In the days ahead, we’ll engage in heartfelt discussions about what it means to live in a world without Katherine Johnson. The current political climate weighs heavily on us, and our children feel that weight too. Johnson was a beacon of hope, and now that she’s gone, we find ourselves heartbroken.
Some adults may dismiss our sadness as trivial, but I urge you to remember your own childhood idols. Whether it was Luke Perry, Whitney Houston, or another beloved figure, their loss resonated in your life. For children, processing the death of a mentor or hero can be incredibly complex and painful.
How will we honor Johnson’s legacy? We’ll continue to read her story and those of other remarkable Black women. This weekend, we’ll make popcorn and rewatch Hidden Figures, celebrating her contributions to the world. I believe she would approve.
For more insights on navigating the complexities of grief, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination, or explore how to celebrate life through shared memories.
In summary, the loss of Katherine Johnson has profoundly affected my daughter, who looked up to her as a role model. As we navigate the grief together, we’ll continue to celebrate her life and achievements, ensuring her legacy lives on in our hearts.
Keyphrase: Katherine Johnson’s Legacy
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