Nasa to name it's HQ after first black female engineer: Mary Jackson

The show Time/source BBC

Nasa is to name its headquarters in Washington DC after its first black female engineer, Mary Jackson. Nasa administrator Jim Bridenstine said Jackson had helped to break down barriers for African Americans and women in engineering and technology. The story of Mary Jackson was told in the 2016 film Hidden Figures. Born in Hampton, Virginia, she died in 2005.

"Mary W Jackson was part of a group of very important women who helped Nasa succeed in getting American astronauts into space," Mr Bridenstine added. "Mary never accepted the status quo, she helped break barriers and open opportunities for African Americans and women in the field of engineering and technology." The move comes at a time of introspection across the US about historical injustices suffered by African Americans.The recent death in police custody of George Floyd triggered protests around the world and renewed demands for an end to institutional racism.