In a groundbreaking ceremony in July 2024, NASA made history by renaming the Johnson Space Center to the “Dorothy Vaughan Center in Honor of Women of Apollo.”
This momentous occasion also recognized the contributions of Vivian Ayers Allen, a 101-year-old poet and American classicist, to the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing.
Honoring Hidden Figures: Dorothy Vaughan and Vivian Ayers Allen
The renaming ceremony was attended by actresses Phylicia Rashad and Debbie Allen, daughters of Vivian Ayers Allen. NASA Johnson Director Vanessa Wyche expressed pride in hosting this historic event, acknowledging the significant contributions of women to the space industry.
Wyche stated, “It’s a privilege to dedicate Johnson’s Building 12 to the innovative women who laid the foundation to our nation’s space program.” This recognition comes as NASA prepares for its Artemis mission, aiming to land the first woman and person of color on the moon.
Vivian Ayers Allen: Poetic Visionary of Space Exploration
Vivian Ayers Allen’s 1957 book-length poem, “Hawk,” was honored for its prescient exploration of the relationship between freedom and space flight. NASA recognized the cultural activist’s work by featuring reproductions of “Hawk” at the Houston space center.
The agency praised Allen as “a distinguished woman of Apollo, whose remarkable contributions significantly advanced our understanding of space exploration.” This recognition highlights the often-overlooked role of Black women in the space program’s success.
NASA’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The renaming of the center after Dorothy Vaughan, who led a team of women working as “human computers,” underscores NASA’s commitment to acknowledging diverse contributions to space exploration. This move aligns with the agency’s broader goals of inclusivity and representation.
During the ceremony, Wyche emphasized the importance of women like Vivian Ayers Allen and Dorothy Vaughan to space exploration. Their recognition serves as an inspiration for future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers from all backgrounds.
Celebrating Legacy: The Allen Sisters’ Gratitude
Rashad and Debbie Allen took to Instagram to express their gratitude, thanking NASA for recognizing their mother as “one of the Hidden Figures of the Apollo 11 Space Mission!”
This public acknowledgment brings to light the often-overlooked contributions of Black women to America’s space program.
