When you think of space travel, you probably think of names like Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, and Buzz Aldrin. But as the saying goes, behind every great man is an even greater woman—sometimes three.

Ms. Jackson’s contributions received widespread attention after the release of the 2016 film “Hidden Figures,” which chronicled black women’s work during the space race. By Allyson Waller That “giant ...

Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures, Shug in Hustle & Flow, Shug Avery in The Color Purple. Whereas other actresses might’ve gone the stereotypical route, Henson made Shug a nuanced character full of ...