Yesterday, my eldest daughter, a budding tween, woke up in tears after a restless night. The day before, I had shared the news of Katherine Johnson’s passing at the age of 101. Johnson, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, was a trailblazer in the space race and the inspiration behind my daughter’s fascination with space exploration.
When Hidden Figures premiered in theaters, my daughter and I donned matching star-patterned shirts to celebrate the incredible story of Black women in STEM. As we relished the performances of Janelle Monae, Octavia Spencer, and Taraji P. Henson, the movie transcended mere entertainment for us; it served as a powerful testament to what someone who looks like my daughter can achieve.
Unlike my own childhood, filled with countless representations of white figures in media and literature, my daughter has a wealth of role models to admire. She is fortunate to see herself reflected in the successes of women like Johnson and Mae Jemison, who have paved the way in science and technology.
Since watching Hidden Figures, my daughter’s passion for outer space has flourished. She has collected an impressive array of NASA gear, from shirts to socks, and even embraced a cosmic theme in her bedroom decor. She’s immersed herself in books about Johnson, Jemison, and Ron McNair, and she even dressed as a NASA scientist for Halloween.
When I learned of Johnson’s death, I felt a heavy weight in my heart, knowing I had to break the news to my daughter. While some may argue that Johnson lived a long and fulfilling life, her death carries deep significance for a young girl who looked up to her as a hero.
The passing of a beloved figure can be challenging for both children and adults. My social media feeds have been filled with tributes to celebrities like Kobe Bryant, whose tragic loss has resonated with many. For my daughter, Katherine Johnson embodies a similar loss. Johnson demonstrated to her that with perseverance and determination, a Black woman can change the world—even in the face of adversity.
Though we never had the chance to meet Johnson, she felt like a guiding presence in our lives. My daughter envisioned her as a wise grandmother figure, someone from whom she could learn invaluable lessons. Johnson’s brilliance and strength left a lasting impact, and now, with her absence, my daughter feels as if a vital piece of her inspiration is gone.
Death is a complex and often uncomfortable topic. In times of loss, we often hear phrases like “God needed another angel” or “Everything happens for a reason,” which can feel dismissive. For my daughter, who is grappling with the loss of her role model, no well-meaning platitude can ease her sorrow. Grieving is a natural and necessary process.
In the days ahead, we will have important conversations about what it means to live in a world without Katherine Johnson. The current political landscape feels overwhelming, and the loss of someone like Johnson, who symbolized hope and progress, only deepens that sense of despair.
I understand that some adults may find our sadness trivial, but I urge you to recall a celebrity from your own youth who meant the world to you. Whether it was Luke Perry, Whitney Houston, or Selena, their impact on your life was real. For children, the loss of a figure they idolize can feel particularly profound.
As we navigate this grief, we will honor Johnson’s legacy by continuing to read and learn about her and other remarkable Black women. This weekend, we will prepare popcorn and revisit Hidden Figures, celebrating Johnson’s life and accomplishments, because she deserves nothing less.
In summary, Katherine Johnson was not just an icon; she was a beacon of inspiration for many, especially my daughter. Her passing has left a void, prompting essential discussions about grief, representation, and the importance of role models.