“space race” began. Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, attended the birthday event and spoke about what Ayers meant to her. There is written and photographic evidence of the contributions of women and people of color in the history of America’s space program because of Ayers, she said.
“I cannot say thank you enough for use being able to have our history preserved,” Wyche said. “Today, we stand on the shoulders of giants as we reach farther into the stars and push to the moon once again and onto Mars.”
Honoring her mom’s 100th birthday, Allen wrote on Instagram, “Mom ❤️ You are the true Renaissance Woman Lish, Vivian, Condola, Carmen, Gel, Tracey, Natalie, Chloe, Shiloh, Avi, and I aspire to. THANK YOU for giving us a path of Light, Love, Fight and Faith to follow. ✨ We celebrate your 100 Years around the sun!