To The Moon: An Inception Of Black Love And Black History With The Pendletons
Alice Pendleton, Ph.D. and Bishop Walter Pendleton, Ph.D. Photo credit: Keandra Tatum
“Where there is Love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.”
Former NASA Research Scientists Alice and Walter Pendleton are every ounce of magic, from their exuberant love for one another to their passion marked in history. If you’ve ever witnessed the black excellence portrayed in the movie ‘Hidden Figures’, you will understand the depth of discovery we have truly found with getting to know the Pendletons. They’ve overcome adversities, segregation and broken boundaries that were meant to anchor down their ambitious dreams. We traveled to the couple’s home located in Hempstead, TX, just down the way from Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), a historical black college.
It truly was a remarkable experience spending time with living legends in science. From the moment we pulled into the driveway, it was like stepping into a special undocumented film of ‘off the radar’ scientists who have done some absolutely profound work for the nation. Their lovely home felt so cozy and charming with so many neat photos from over 49 years of marriage and precious moments.
Dr. Walter mentioned he was the great-grandson of Texas’ first black legislator G.W. Wyatt, and his family was devoted to keeping his legacy alive. He also made sure to give his wife her flowers, stating, “My wife is the true scientist.” Dr. Alice graduated Salutatorian at Sam Scharz High School (1967), obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology (1976) and Mechanical Engineering (1979) at Prairie View A&M University, received her Master of Science of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Rice University (1983), Doctor of Divinity in Theology/Theological Studies at Mt. Zion Bible Institute (1988) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Materials Science and Engineering at Texas A&M University (2008).
Alice Pendleton. Photo credit: The Pendletons
The sweethearts knew each other’s destiny would run parallel in the universe and it all started in 4th grade. Dr. Alice was a genius since elementary school, she could be described as someone who had such a nurturing skill to assist many with studying and elevating in education throughout her brilliant career. It comes as no surprise that Dr. Alice served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at PVAMU and spends her time tutoring at Pendleton Chapel Baptist Church. The couple established Pendleton Chapel Seminary School for laypersons, ministers, pastors, to receive Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Doctor of Divinity. The Chapel is the root of it all, a divine connection in which they believe God chose since the beginning of time. Together, they make decisions as one, and have been since the start of their career. Wherever you see Dr. Alice, you will see Dr. Walter.
In the early 80s’, Dr. Alice suffered a life-altering stroke following a tumor-removal surgery. It was very difficult to walk, talk and she developed a condition called Avascular necrosis. She began to lose blood supply going into her bones and the necessary calcium which caused her to have both hips and her right shoulder replaced. Dr. Alice didn’t allow the health scare to overcome her mind with fear, she has faced many things and decided to lean more on God’s word and her husband’s strength. Dr. Walter was there every step of the way, even in 2007, when President George W. Bush, Queen Elizabeth and Dr. Mike Dube requested Dr. Alice’s presence to work on a special project at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
Dr. Alice made a deal with NASA and the White House which included bringing her right-hand, Dr. Walter who took care of her. Dr. Alice was responsible for utilizing the Spiral Orbit Tribometer (SOT), restructuring the lubricants of the Hubble Telescope and Space Shuttle. She created artificial moon dust and so much more as she dove into science with every passionate bone in her body to assist NASA with their important missions.
Over 49 years of love and achievements with the Pendletons. Photo credit: Keandra Tatum
The couple agreed to never forget their hometown and, in fact, decided to raise their three kids and dedicate their time within the community. Dr. Alice participated in various research projects including the CRESSE tribological research at PVAMU.
So, when you gaze at the stars and the big bright moon at night, be sure to think of the Pendletons.