The critically acclaimed movie Hidden Figures, staring
my fellow Howard University alum and Empire star Taraji P. Henson. Henson
plays the lead role of Katherine Johnson who was among a group of Black mathematicians who helped NASA
win the Space Race (and oh yes, they happened to be women). The film also features the work of Dorothy
Vaughan, played by Octavia Spencer; and Mary Jackson, performed by Janelle Monáe.
Opening nationwide Jan. 6, it’s the story of African American
women who were math whizzes who worked at NASA’s Langley Field. African American PhD’s, physicians,
scientists and educators were commonplace for those of us who grew up in somewhat
cloistered, Ozzie and Harriet like Black middle-class Hampton, VA. Taraji’s character is molded in the tradition
of countless young professionals who continue to persevere and prosper—despite
the odds.
Whatever your ethnicity, do yourself a favor and take
friends and family to see Hidden Figures, to ensure the movie
has a strong opening weekend. The movie
has something for everyone and features Kevin
Costner as head of the space program and Jim Parsons, as head engineer Paul Stafford. Full disclosure: Parsons is among my all-time favorite actors
who plays the role of Sheldon Cooper of Big
Bang Theory fame.
BTW, the music is by Pharrell
Williams, another hometown hero who hails from nearby Virginia Beach and continues
to give back through his foundations I Am Other, which supports
creativity and From One Hand to AnOther (FOHTA), to provide educational STEAMM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics and Motivation) related
tools needed for future success of children (Source: fotha.org).
An important lesson.
Always reach back so others may move forward.
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