Yesterday, my oldest daughter, a budding tween, woke up in tears, having had a restless night after learning that Katherine Johnson had passed away. At 101 years old, Johnson was not only a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom but also a trailblazer in the space race. She inspired my daughter’s passion for astronomy and science.
The weekend “Hidden Figures” hit theaters, my daughter and I donned our star-patterned tees and headed out to support the film celebrating Black Girl Magic. We savored handfuls of popcorn, completely captivated by the performances of Janelle Monae, Octavia Spencer, and Taraji P. Henson. For us, that movie represented more than just entertainment; it showcased the extraordinary achievements of women who look like my daughter and opened her eyes to what she could achieve in her own life.
As a child, I found myself surrounded by a plethora of role models—celebrities and characters in books who all appeared to share my background. The historical figures we studied were predominantly white males, and rarely did they include women or people of color, aside from a few notable exceptions. I’m grateful that my daughter has an expanded array of inspirations to look up to.
Following our viewing of “Hidden Figures,” my daughter became utterly fascinated with space. She amassed a collection of NASA shirts, starry accessories, and even a celestial-themed comforter for her room. She dove into books about Mae Jemison, Katherine Johnson, and Ron McNair, and proudly declared her ambition to become a NASA scientist, even dressing up as one for Halloween.
When I heard about Johnson’s passing, I felt an overwhelming sense of dread knowing I had to break the news to my daughter. Some may argue that Johnson lived a long, fulfilling life, but to my daughter, who idolized her, the loss felt profoundly significant.
Celebrity deaths often hit hard, especially for children. Just as many of us mourn the loss of figures like Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, we recognize the impact of losing someone like Katherine Johnson. For my daughter, Johnson represented the embodiment of hope and perseverance for young Black girls, proving that with hard work and determination, they can change the world.
While we never met Johnson, we imagined what it would be like to sit with her, sipping tea and listening to her remarkable stories. She was a beacon of strength and intellect, and her passing felt like a crucial piece of my daughter’s journey had been snatched away.
Navigating the topic of death can be challenging. Often, well-meaning phrases like “everything happens for a reason” or “God needed another angel” fall flat in the face of grief. For my daughter, mourning Johnson is a necessary part of processing this loss; no amount of cliché can ease that pain.
In the coming days, we’ll have heartfelt discussions about what it means to live in a world without Katherine Johnson. The overwhelming challenges of today’s political climate weigh heavily on us, and Johnson was a symbol of hope—her absence is deeply felt.
Some adults may dismiss our sadness as trivial, but I encourage you to reflect on your own childhood idols whose passing left a mark on your heart. Whether it’s Luke Perry or Whitney Houston, the connections we form with these figures are valid and impactful.
For children, reconciling the loss of a role model is a complicated process. Recent losses in the celebrity world have shown us that these figures, while larger than life, leave a void that is felt profoundly, especially by young fans.
In honor of Katherine Johnson’s legacy, we will continue to read the books that celebrate her life and the lives of other extraordinary Black women. This weekend, we’ll pop some popcorn and rewatch “Hidden Figures,” ensuring that Johnson’s story—and her impact—lives on. I believe she would want us to celebrate her achievements and the inspiration she provided.
To learn more about the journey of motherhood and other related topics, check out this engaging post from our blog.
Summary
The article reflects on the profound impact of Katherine Johnson’s passing on the author’s daughter, who idolized Johnson as a pioneering Black woman in science. It discusses the importance of representation and the challenges of processing grief over the loss of influential figures. The author emphasizes the significance of celebrating Johnson’s life and legacy through continued education and remembrance.
Keyphrase
Katherine Johnson legacy
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