CHAPTER 1: A DOOR OPENS

• What are some reasons for wanting more mathematicians at Langley in the early
1940s?
• In what ways was Melvin Butler, the personnel officer at Langley, progressive in his
hiring practices? In what ways was he restricted by convention? Do you think he did
the best he could under the circumstances?
• Who is A. Philip Randolph and how does he help building the work force at Langley?

1. In the early 1940s, Langley desired more mathematicians for several reasons. Firstly, as World War II
intensified, there was a pressing need for skilled workers to support the war effort, particularly in
aviation research. Secondly, the advent of complex technologies like airplanes and rockets demanded
mathematical expertise for design, analysis, and testing. Additionally, Langley recognized the untapped
potential of African American women as a valuable resource to fill these roles.
2. Melvin Butler, the personnel officer at Langley, demonstrated progressiveness in his hiring practices by
actively seeking out qualified African American women to work as mathematicians, despite the
prevailing racial segregation and discrimination of the time. He recognized their potential and advocated
for their inclusion in Langley's workforce. However, he was restricted by convention and the prevailing
racial attitudes of the era, which limited the number of positions available to African Americans and
relegated them to lower-level roles. Despite these constraints, Butler made efforts to recruit and support
African American women within the limitations of the segregated system, doing the best he could under
the circumstances.
3. A. Philip Randolph was a prominent African American civil rights leader who advocated for equal job
opportunities for African Americans, particularly in defense industries during World War II. He played a
crucial role in building the workforce at Langley by pressuring President Franklin D. Roosevelt to issue
Executive Order 8802, which prohibited racial discrimination in the defense industry and established the
Fair Employment Practices Committee (FEPC). This executive order opened up job opportunities for
African Americans, including women, at Langley and other defense-related facilities, paving the way for
the recruitment of talented individuals regardless of their race.

CHAPTER 2: MOBILIZATION

• Describe Dorothy Vaughan: what is she like? What do you learn of her background?

• What kinds of employment opportunities were available to African American women at this time?

• Why is the opportunity for a job at Langley so unique to Dorothy?

• In her application, Dorothy she could be ready to accept employment at Langley within 48 hours. Why do
you think she makes that claim?

1. Dorothy Vaughan is described as a capable and determined woman with a strong work ethic. She is
resourceful, intelligent, and possesses leadership qualities. From her background, we learn that she had a
college education in mathematics, which was rare for African American women at the time. She also
had experience working as a teacher before transitioning to a career in mathematics.
2. During this time, employment opportunities for African American women were limited and often
relegated to domestic service, agricultural labor, or menial jobs with low pay and little opportunity for
advancement. Discrimination and segregation in the workforce barred them from many professional and
skilled positions.
3. The opportunity for a job at Langley is unique to Dorothy because it offers her a chance to apply her
mathematical skills in a professional setting where her talents are recognized and valued. Langley
represents a departure from the usual employment options available to African American women,
providing an opportunity for meaningful work and career advancement.
4. Dorothy likely makes the claim that she could be ready to accept employment at Langley within 48
hours to demonstrate her eagerness and commitment to the opportunity. She understands the importance
of acting quickly in a competitive job market, especially considering the limited opportunities available
to African American women. By expressing her readiness to start work promptly, Dorothy aims to
present herself as a highly motivated and capable candidate for the position.

CHAPTER 3: PAST IS PROLOGUE

• How did Dorothy handle the balance between her family life and work aspirations?
• What does this job mean for Dorothy in terms of social mobility?
• From what we know so far, in what ways do Dorothy and Katherine’s experiences
mirror each other? In what ways are they different?

1. Dorothy Vaughan managed the balance between her family life and work aspirations by prioritizing her
responsibilities while also pursuing her career goals. Despite the challenges of being a single mother,
she remained dedicated to providing for her children while also advancing her career in mathematics.
She sought support from her family and community to help with childcare while she worked,
demonstrating resilience and determination in pursuing her professional ambitions while fulfilling her
role as a mother.
2. This job at Langley represents significant social mobility for Dorothy. It offers her the opportunity to
move beyond the limited career options typically available to African American women during that
time. By working at Langley as a mathematician, Dorothy can elevate her social status, gain financial
stability, and access opportunities for career advancement that were previously inaccessible to her. It
opens doors to a better future for herself and her family, signaling a shift towards upward mobility and
greater social and economic opportunities.
3. Dorothy and Katherine's experiences mirror each other in their pursuit of career opportunities in
mathematics despite facing systemic barriers as African American women. Both women possess strong
mathematical abilities and strive to overcome societal obstacles to advance in their chosen field.
However, they also differ in their personal circumstances and approaches to navigating these challenges.
Dorothy is a single mother balancing her family responsibilities with her career aspirations, while
Katherine is unmarried and faces discrimination based on both her race and gender. Despite these
differences, both women demonstrate resilience, determination, and a commitment to pursuing their
dreams despite the odds stacked against them.

CHAPTER 4: THE DOUBLE V

• What is life in Newport News like for Dorothy?
• How does the civil rights movement take shape during this time period?
• To what does the chapter title, the double V, refer?

1. Life in Newport News for Dorothy is challenging yet filled with community support. She faces racial
segregation and discrimination in housing, education, and public facilities. Despite these obstacles,
Dorothy finds solace in her church community and continues to prioritize her family while pursuing her
career at Langley.
2. During this time period, the civil rights movement begins to take shape with increasing activism and
advocacy for racial equality and justice. African Americans, inspired by the fight against fascism abroad
during World War II, demand equal rights and opportunities at home. Protests, legal challenges, and
grassroots organizing campaigns emerge, challenging segregation and discrimination in various aspects
of society.
3. The chapter title, "the double V," refers to the slogan "Double Victory" adopted by African Americans
during World War II. It symbolizes the dual struggle for victory over fascism abroad and victory over
racism and discrimination at home. The "double V" campaign emphasized the interconnectedness of the
fight for civil rights with the broader goals of democracy and freedom. It served as a rallying cry for
African Americans to demand equal rights and opportunities both on the battlefield and in their
everyday lives, highlighting the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality.

CHAPTER 5: MANIFEST DESTINY

• Are the women who become “girl computers” held to a higher standard? Or do
they hold themselves to one? Why or why not?
• Why does Miriam Mann keep removing the cafeteria sign? What does her act of
defiance represent?
• In what ways is working at NACA progressive? In what ways does NACA stick to
southern conventions?
• How were Malcolm MacLean and Henry Reid helpful to and supportive of their
new colleagues?

1. The women who become "girl computers" are often held to a higher standard, both by themselves and
by their supervisors. They hold themselves to this standard because they understand the importance of
their work and strive for excellence in a male-dominated field. Additionally, their supervisors often
expect them to perform exceptionally well to prove their worth in a workplace where women are seen as
inferior in mathematical and scientific roles.
2. Miriam Mann keeps removing the cafeteria sign as an act of defiance against racial segregation and
discrimination. Her actions represent resistance to the unjust segregation policies enforced in the
workplace. By repeatedly removing the sign, Mann challenges the oppressive norms of the segregated
South and asserts her right to equality and dignity.
3. Working at NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) is progressive in several ways. It
offers opportunities for women, including African American women, to work in mathematical and
scientific roles, challenging traditional gender norms and providing avenues for career advancement
based on merit. However, NACA also adheres to southern conventions by maintaining segregation
policies, particularly in facilities located in the South. African American employees face segregated
workspaces, facilities, and limited opportunities for advancement compared to their white counterparts.
4. Malcolm MacLean and Henry Reid are helpful and supportive of their new colleagues by advocating for
their inclusion and providing mentorship and guidance. They recognize the talent and potential of their
African American colleagues and actively support their efforts to excel in their roles. MacLean and
Reid's support helps create a more inclusive and supportive work environment, despite the prevailing
racial attitudes of the time.

CHAPTER 6: WAR BIRDS

• To whom does the phrase “tank Yanks” refer?
• Why did locals think of Langley employees as “more than a little peculiar”?
• What is the Reynolds number? How was Dorothy able to learn about it? How does
the Reynolds number help work at Langley?
• How do you think Langley employees reconcile the difference between the work
they do that is innovative and advances humankind with the work they do that
destroys it?

1. The phrase "tank Yanks" refers to the military personnel, particularly soldiers stationed at nearby
military bases who were involved in tank warfare training during World War II.
2. Locals considered Langley employees "more than a little peculiar" because of the secretive nature of
their work and the unconventional equipment they used, such as wind tunnels and other experimental
apparatus. The employees' involvement in classified projects and their focus on aeronautical research
made them seem mysterious and different from the average civilian.
3. The Reynolds number is a dimensionless quantity used in fluid mechanics to predict the flow patterns of
fluids, such as air or water, around objects. Dorothy Vaughan learns about it through her own initiative,
seeking out resources and information to enhance her understanding of mathematics and its applications
in aeronautical research. The Reynolds number helps work at Langley by providing crucial insights into
fluid flow behavior, allowing engineers and scientists to design and test aircraft more efficiently and
accurately.
4. Langley employees may reconcile the difference between their innovative work that advances
humankind and the work that contributes to destructive technologies by focusing on the positive
outcomes of their contributions. They may view their efforts as essential for national defense and the
advancement of scientific knowledge, even if some applications have destructive potential. Additionally,
they may compartmentalize their work, separating the ethical implications of military applications from
the scientific and technological advancements they help to achieve. Ultimately, each individual may
reconcile this difference in their own way, balancing the complexities of their work with their personal
beliefs and values.

CHAPTER 7: THE DURATION

• What makes Newsome Park an attractive place for Dorothy to live? How does it
differ from Newport News?
• How did the end of the war and V-J Day change working conditions in the U.S.?
What did it mean for women, in particular?
• Why does Virginia senator Harry Byrd oppose the FEPC?

1. Newsome Park is attractive to Dorothy as it offers better housing conditions compared to Newport
News. Newsome Park is a planned community with modern amenities and housing designed for defense
workers, including African Americans like Dorothy. Unlike Newport News, where racial segregation
and discrimination are prevalent, Newsome Park provides a more inclusive and supportive environment
for African American families.
2. The end of the war and V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day) changed working conditions in the U.S. by
leading to a reduction in wartime production and the demobilization of the military. This resulted in a
shift in the labor market, with many industries scaling back production and laying off workers. For
women, particularly those who had entered the workforce during the war, it meant facing challenges as
many lost their jobs due to the decreased demand for wartime goods and services. Additionally, women
who had taken on non-traditional roles during the war were often expected to return to more traditional
roles as homemakers and caregivers.
3. Virginia Senator Harry Byrd opposed the Fair Employment Practices Committee (FEPC) because he
believed in states' rights and opposed federal intervention in matters of employment discrimination.
Byrd supported segregationist policies and sought to maintain the racial hierarchy and social order of the
segregated South. He viewed the FEPC as a threat to the established system of segregation and
discrimination, fearing that it would undermine the power and authority of state governments to enforce
racial segregation in employment practices.

CHAPTER 8: THOSE WHO MOVE FORWARD

• Describe Katherine Goble: where is she from? What is she like? In what ways are
she and Dorothy Vaughan similar?
• Who is William Waldron Schieffelin Claytor? How did he influence Katherine?
• What are the circumstances leading to Katherine’s enrollment at West Virginia
University? What was her time at West Virginia like?

1. Katherine Goble, later Katherine Johnson, is from White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. She is a
brilliant mathematician with a keen intellect and a passion for problem-solving. Like Dorothy Vaughan,
Katherine is determined and ambitious, showing resilience in the face of challenges. Both women
possess strong mathematical abilities and a desire to excel in their careers despite the barriers they face
as African American women.
2. William Waldron Schieffelin Claytor was a professor at West Virginia State College, where Katherine
Johnson studied. He recognized Katherine's exceptional mathematical talent and became her mentor.
Claytor influenced Katherine by encouraging her to pursue advanced mathematics and providing
guidance and support throughout her academic journey.
3. Katherine's enrollment at West Virginia University was prompted by the state's decision to integrate its
graduate schools following a Supreme Court ruling in 1938. Katherine's application to the graduate
program at West Virginia University caught the attention of Professor Claytor, who advocated for her
admission despite the university's initial reluctance to accept African American students. Her time at
West Virginia was marked by challenges due to racial discrimination and isolation, but she persevered
and excelled academically, earning her graduate degree in mathematics.

CHAPTER 9: BREAKING BARRIERS

• How does specializing in a particular subfield of aeronautics help the girl
computers?
• What accomplishment makes Doris Cohen noteworthy? How does it transform
possibilities for other women?
• Is it surprising to learn that on the east side of Langley’s campus white laboratory
staff didn’t know an all-black computing group existed? Why or why not?
• Who is Blanche Sponsler? Under what circumstances does Blanche leave
Langley? How does Blanche’s story highlight the pressure these women are under?

1. Specializing in a particular subfield of aeronautics helps the "girl computers" by allowing them to
develop expertise and efficiency in their work. By focusing on specific aspects of aeronautical research,
such as analyzing data from wind tunnel tests or performing calculations for aircraft design, they
become more skilled and valuable to their respective research teams. This specialization enables them to
 make significant contributions to the field and enhances their opportunities for career advancement
within Langley.
2. Doris Cohen's noteworthy accomplishment is becoming the first African American woman at Langley to
be promoted to the position of "mathematician." This promotion opens up new possibilities for other
African American women at Langley by demonstrating that they can advance to higher-level positions
based on their skills and qualifications, despite the racial barriers they face. Cohen's achievement paves
the way for greater recognition and opportunities for African American women in the field of
mathematics and aeronautical research.
3. It may not be surprising to learn that on the east side of Langley's campus, white laboratory staff didn't
know an all-black computing group existed. This lack of awareness could be attributed to the segregated
nature of the workplace, where African American employees were often isolated from their white
counterparts and relegated to separate workspaces and facilities. Additionally, racial segregation and
discrimination were deeply ingrained in the social fabric of the time, leading to a lack of interaction and
communication between white and black employees within the workplace.
4. Blanche Sponsler was a talented mathematician and member of the West Area Computing Unit at
Langley. She leaves Langley under the circumstances of being unable to bear the pressure and stress of
her work environment. Blanche's story highlights the immense pressure these women faced in their roles
as "computers" at Langley, where they were often required to work long hours under challenging
conditions while facing discrimination and segregation. Blanche's departure underscores the toll that
such pressure and stress could take on the mental and emotional well-being of these women, despite
their dedication and talent.

CHAPTER 10: HOME BY THE SEA

• Describe Mary Jackson: What do we learn about her background? How is she
similar to Dorothy Vaughan and Katherine
Goble?
• How does Mary embody and enact her family’s motto of “sharing and caring”?
• In what ways did the trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg affect life at Langley?
• How do the racial problems in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s change
the perception of the U.S. abroad? How is this used as propaganda by the Soviet
Union?

1. Mary Jackson is a determined and ambitious woman from Hampton, Virginia. She comes from a family
with a strong sense of community and a commitment to education. Like Dorothy Vaughan and
Katherine Goble, Mary is a trailblazer in her own right, possessing a keen intellect and a passion for
mathematics and science. She shares their resilience and determination to overcome societal barriers and
pursue her career aspirations despite the obstacles she faces as an African American woman.
2. Mary embodies and enacts her family's motto of "sharing and caring" by actively supporting and
uplifting those around her. She contributes to her community by volunteering her time and resources to
help others, demonstrating compassion and empathy in her interactions with others. Mary's commitment
to supporting her family, friends, and community reflects her values of generosity and kindness,
embodying the spirit of "sharing and caring" in her daily life.
3. The trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were accused of espionage and convicted of passing atomic
secrets to the Soviet Union, had a significant impact on life at Langley. The trial heightened concerns
about national security and espionage within the United States, leading to increased scrutiny and
suspicion of individuals working in sensitive government positions, including those at Langley. Security
measures were tightened, and background checks became more stringent, affecting the daily operations
and atmosphere at the research facility.
4. The racial problems in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s changed the perception of the U.S.
abroad by highlighting the country's hypocrisy and contradictions in its claims of democracy and
freedom. The persistence of racial segregation, discrimination, and violence undermined the United
States' image as a champion of human rights and equality, particularly during the Cold War era. The
Soviet Union exploited these racial problems as propaganda, portraying the United States as a
hypocritical and oppressive society that failed to live up to its democratic ideals. Soviet propaganda
highlighted racial injustices and civil rights struggles in the U.S. to undermine American influence and
credibility on the world stage.