Black History Month recognizes the struggle and achievements of African Americans. In honor of this annual observance, we’re remembering Robert Robinson Taylor and Mary Jackson.
Robert Taylor, the first accredited Black architect, was also the first Black student to enroll at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Among other things, he designed numerous buildings for Tuskegee University and other historically Black colleges and universities.
Mary Jackson, an American mathematician and aerospace engineer, worked at Langley Research Center for most of her career. In 1958, she became NASA’s first Black female engineer. She was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously, and in 2020, the Washington, D.C. headquarters of NASA was renamed in her honor.
Also in celebration of Black History Month, we’re sharing A Seat at the Table by Kim Thompkins, FSMPS, CPSM, who’s an at-large director for the Society’s board of directors. As part of our Member Voices series, Thompkins shares her personal story and perspective on diversity and inclusion.
