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 101 years old, Johnson was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a trailblazer in the field of space exploration. She was a beacon of inspiration for my daughter, fueling her passion for everything related to the cosmos.
A Memorable Experience
When “Hidden Figures” premiered in theaters, my daughter and I wore our star-patterned shirts and excitedly went to see the incredible stories of black women on the big screen. We enjoyed popcorn while captivated by the performances of Janelle Monae, Octavia Spencer, and Taraji P. Henson. For us, this film represented much more than entertainment; it was a powerful example of what someone who resembles my daughter could achieve.
Broader Role Models
In my own childhood, I was surrounded by countless celebrities, toys, and characters in books and movies that reflected my own background. The literature we read and the historical figures we studied predominantly featured white individuals, especially white men. Rarely did we encounter stories about women or people of color, aside from a few well-known figures like Michael Jordan. I’m grateful my daughter has a broader array of role models.
A Passion for Space
After watching “Hidden Figures,” my daughter became immersed in the world of space exploration. She proudly boasts a collection of NASA shirts and star-themed accessories. When we redecorated her room, we selected a gray comforter adorned with gold stars. She eagerly collected books about Mae Jemison, the remarkable trio from “Hidden Figures,” and Ron McNair, and even decided to dress up as a NASA scientist for Halloween.
The Weight of Loss
When I learned of Johnson’s death, I felt a profound sense of dread at the thought of breaking the news to my daughter after school. While some may argue that Johnson lived a long and fulfilling life, her passing still carries immense weight, particularly for a young girl who looked up to her.
The loss of a celebrity can profoundly affect both children and adults. My social media feeds have been filled with reactions to the tragic loss of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and others in a recent helicopter crash. Many of us empathize deeply with Vanessa Bryant, understanding that the loss of a partner and a child is a heartbreaking ordeal.
A Symbol of Hope
For my daughter, Katherine Johnson represented a figure akin to Kobe Bryant. Johnson demonstrated that with hard work, determination, and education, a black woman could become a groundbreaking force in history. Despite the odds stacked against her, and in an environment where her contributions were often doubted, she made significant strides during her over thirty years at NASA, including her essential role in launching astronauts safely into space.
Although we never met Johnson, we imagined what it would be like to share a cup of tea with her and listen to her stories. She embodied beauty, strength, and brilliance. The news of her passing left my daughter feeling as though a vital piece of her aspirations had been taken away.
Navigating Grief
Grief is a complex and often challenging experience. When someone passes, we often hear phrases like “God needed another angel” or “Everything has a purpose.” I find these sentiments to be unhelpful and somewhat insincere. My child is mourning the loss of her role model, and no comforting words can alleviate that pain. It’s perfectly normal to grieve, and it’s vital to acknowledge the depth of those feelings.
We will have meaningful conversations in the coming days as we process what it means to navigate a world without Katherine Johnson. The current socio-political climate is daunting, and our children feel the weight of it, too. Johnson was a symbol of hope and possibility, and her absence leaves us heartbroken.
Understanding the Impact
Some adults may dismiss our sadness as trivial. However, I urge you to reflect on a celebrity you cherished during your youth, someone who played an integral role in your life. Whether it was Luke Perry, Whitney Houston, or another beloved figure, their loss resonates deeply, no matter how significant or superficial the connection may seem.
For children, grappling with the death of a role model can be especially complicated and painful. The recent losses of figures like Cameron Boyce, Nikita Pearl Waligwa, and Nipsey Hussle have left many young fans struggling. We must recognize the influence that celebrities have, particularly on the younger generation. Their larger-than-life personas can make their passing feel even more impactful.
Honoring Johnson’s Legacy
In honoring Johnson’s legacy, we will continue to celebrate her life through the books we cherish that feature her and other remarkable black women. This weekend, we’ll prepare popcorn and watch “Hidden Figures” once more. We will pay tribute to Johnson in a way that we hope she would appreciate.
To learn more about the broader implications of home insemination and pregnancy, check out this excellent resource on artificial insemination. For further insights on challenges related to IVF, visit intracervicalinsemination.com, an authority on the subject. If you’re interested in more posts like this, feel free to explore Home Insemination Kit for engaging content.
Conclusion
In summary, Katherine Johnson’s passing has profoundly affected my daughter, who viewed her as a role model and source of inspiration. As we navigate our grief, we will continue to honor her legacy through education and celebration of her achievements.