But first, he insisted that Katherine Johnson double-check ... much present in the US south at the time. Johnson experienced it throughout her life but never let it get in her way.

Oh, it’s my job to know! My name is Katherine Johnson. I am a mathematician for NASA’s space program. And the astronaut who’s risking his life up there - he asked for me personally to check ...

Former NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson is seen after President Barack Obama presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Nov. 24, 2015, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White ...