Mary Jackson was a pioneering African American mathematician and aerospace engineer who made significant contributions to the field of aeronautics during her career at NASA. Born in Hampton, Virginia in 1921, Jackson worked as a mathematician and aerospace engineer at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), which later became NASA.

In 1958, Mary Jackson became NASA's first African American female engineer. Throughout her career, she worked on various projects that advanced the field of aeronautics, including wind tunnel testing and research on flight dynamics. Jackson also played a key role in promoting diversity and equal opportunities for women and minorities in STEM fields at NASA.

In 2016, Mary Jackson was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for her contributions to the success of the United States space program. Her story was also featured in the book "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly, which was later adapted into a film of the same name.

Mary Jackson's trailblazing work and perseverance in the face of discrimination have inspired countless individuals and continue to be celebrated as part of Black history.