Creola Katherine Coleman: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Generations

Creola Katherine Coleman, known to many as Katherine Johnson, was an African American mathematician and physicist who made a significant impact on the U.S. space program. Born in 1918 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, Coleman's brilliance and determination paved the way for a remarkable career at NASA. Her vital contributions to the field of space exploration have not only inspired generations of women and people of color but also set an example for the world that intelligence and perseverance can triumph over adversity.

Early Life and Education

Creola Katherine Coleman, the youngest of four children, was born to Joylette and Joshua Coleman. Her mother was a teacher, while her father worked as a lumberman and farmer. Coleman's prodigious talent for mathematics was apparent early on, as she excelled in her studies and graduated from high school at just 14 years old. In a time when educational opportunities for African Americans were limited, Coleman's parents ensured that she received the best possible education.

Coleman attended West Virginia State College, a historically black college, where she earned a degree in mathematics and French in 1937. She went on to become one of the first African American women to enroll in a graduate math program at West Virginia University. However, she left the program after the first semester to start a family.

Career and Contributions to NASA

In 1953, Coleman joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), as a research mathematician. She was part of the West Area Computing Unit, a group of African American female mathematicians who manually performed complex mathematical calculations for NACA's engineers. These women, known as "human computers," played a crucial role in advancing America's space program.

During her 33-year career at NASA, Coleman worked on several high-profile projects, including the Mercury and Apollo missions. She calculated the trajectory for Alan Shepard's historic 1961 flight, making him the first American in space. Later, Coleman gained national recognition for her work on John Glenn's 1962 orbital mission, as Glenn personally requested that she verify the electronic computer's calculations before his launch. Her calculations were vital to the success of the mission and helped establish her as an indispensable asset to the space program.

Coleman's groundbreaking work didn't stop there. She was also involved in the calculations for the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, which resulted in the first human landing on the moon. Throughout her career, she co-authored 26 scientific papers and received numerous awards for her contributions to the field of space exploration.

Legacy and Impact

Creola Katherine Coleman's accomplishments at NASA are a testament to her extraordinary intellect and perseverance. As a trailblazer for both women and people of color, she proved that barriers could be broken and that opportunities could be seized despite the challenges posed by a segregated society.

Coleman's story was popularized in the 2016 movie "Hidden Figures," which portrayed the lives and accomplishments of the West Area Computing Unit. The film helped to shed light on the vital contributions made by these women to the U.S. space program and inspired a new generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Creola Katherine Coleman passed away on February 24, 2020, at the age of 101. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she has touched and the barriers she has broken down for future generations. Her story is a shining example of how determination, intelligence, and an

She was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2015. She was the mother to three children.

Below you will find gifts from handmade artists that you can count on to make Mom smile. 

Love You to the Moon and Back Keychain with an Initial Charm, Handmade Bag Accessory

Victorian Style Treasures 

A Summer Night with Sirius Postcard

ButterflyInTheAttic

Sunrise 

Joanne Carey

Murano Glass Beaded Bracelet Floral Murano Beads Peridot

Magdalene Jewels

Moons Over Lavender Lampwork Pendant Necklace Galaxy Globe Sphere

Covergirl Beads 

Historical Tampa Theatre in Tampa Florida

WatercolorsNMore

Evil Eye Jewelry - Star of David Jewelry

LinorStoreDesigns 

Crescent Moon Earrings With Stars

The Singing Beader

Travel Photo Album

Daisyblu

Stars Moon Lampwork Earrings, Dark Blue Pewter Handmade Jewelry Gift

Shadow Dog Design 

Zodiac Symbol Stars Cancer Cuff Bracelets for Women Teens Adjustable Jewelry

Blue Morning Expressions 

If you don't see what you want from this list, here are some other places you might find the perfect gift for Mom:

Mother's Day Countdown 2023 Week 1

Mother's Day Countdown 2023 Week 2

Mother's Day Countdown 2023 Week 3

Mother's Day Countdown 2023 Week 4

Other Outstanding Women

Hedy Lamarr 

Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin

Dorothea Lange 

Many artists are happy to do custom work for you, so if you see a style you like, then contact the artist and ask them if they do custom work. 

Enjoy and happy shopping!

Julie