Yesterday, my oldest child woke up in tears, having dreamt of Katherine Johnson, who had passed away just the day before. Johnson, who lived to be 101, was a trailblazer in the space race and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her legacy ignited my daughter’s passion for all things cosmic.
When Hidden Figures hit theaters, we excitedly donned our star-patterned attire and dove into the world of Black Girl Magic on screen. We munched on popcorn as we marveled at the performances of Janelle Monae, Octavia Spencer, and Taraji P. Henson. For my daughter, the film was more than entertainment; it was a powerful reminder of what someone who shares her identity can achieve.
During my childhood, I was surrounded by images of success that rarely reflected diversity. Most historical figures we learned about were white males, leaving little room for role models who looked like me. Thankfully, my daughter has a wealth of options that empower and inspire her.
After watching Hidden Figures, my daughter became completely captivated by space. She amassed an impressive collection of NASA gear, including shirts, socks, and even star-themed leggings. When we redecorated her room, we chose a comforter adorned with gold stars. She eagerly read about Mae Jemison and the other remarkable figures from the film, declaring her dream of becoming a NASA scientist and even dressing as one for Halloween.
When I learned of Johnson’s passing, I felt a heavy sense of dread, knowing I had to share the news with my daughter. While some may argue that Johnson led a fulfilling life, her age does not lessen the impact of her death—especially for a young girl who looked up to her.
The loss of a celebrity can hit hard, both for children and adults. My social media feeds were filled with tributes to Kobe Bryant and the tragic loss of his daughter Gianna. As mothers, we empathize with Vanessa Bryant, knowing that losing a partner and child is an unimaginable pain.
To my daughter, Katherine Johnson was her Kobe Bryant. She represented the possibility that, with hard work and determination, a Black woman could change the world. Johnson faced immense adversity throughout her career at NASA, where she played a pivotal role in ensuring the safe missions of astronauts.
Although we never met Johnson, her spirit loomed large in our lives. We envisioned her as a wise grandmother figure, someone we could sit with over tea, listening to her incredible stories. Her passing felt like a significant piece of my daughter’s aspirations had been removed.
Death is a complex and often uncomfortable topic. Many offer platitudes like “Everything happens for a reason,” which can feel hollow in the face of genuine grief. For my daughter, losing her role model is a real and painful experience that no amount of comforting words can alleviate.
In the coming days, we will engage in heartfelt discussions about what it means to live in a world without Katherine Johnson. The overwhelming political climate adds to our sadness, as Johnson was a beacon of hope and inspiration. Now, with her gone, we feel a profound sense of loss.
Some may dismiss our grief as trivial, but I encourage you to think of a celebrity who shaped your own childhood. The connection we feel to these figures—whether it’s Luke Perry, Whitney Houston, or Selena—can be deeply rooted, and their absence leaves a void.
For my daughter, grappling with the loss of someone she admired is a daunting task. Recent celebrity deaths, like those of Cameron Boyce and Nipsey Hussle, have similarly affected their young fans. It’s essential to recognize the impact that public figures have, especially on impressionable children.
How will we honor Johnson’s legacy? We’ll continue to read books about her and other incredible women of color who have shaped history. This weekend, we’ll prepare popcorn and revisit Hidden Figures, celebrating Johnson’s life and contributions to the fullest. I believe she would have wanted it that way.
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Summary
The author reflects on the profound impact Katherine Johnson had on her daughter, who grieves the loss of her role model. Through their shared love of space and the film Hidden Figures, Johnson inspired a new generation of girls. The article addresses the complexities of grief, especially in relation to celebrity deaths, and emphasizes the importance of honoring Johnson’s legacy through continued learning and celebration of her achievements.
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