Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures, within this simple phrase, it already makes people question what it refers to. No one usually remembers the people who got the men to the moon, but they only remember who the men on the moon were. This movie reflects on who those individuals were and the struggles they faced.

Working in NASA’s Langley Research Center located in Hampton, Virginia were African American women. Some very important women within this group include: Katherine Johnson, the person who checked the numbers before John Glenn departed into space on February 20, 1962, abroad Friendship 7, Dorothy Vaughan, who helped program the IBM (International Business Machine), and Mary Jackson, who became the first African-American female aeronautical engineer. These women all used to work in the West Computing Group, an area designated for only colored women. However, soon, they were added to other departments of the NASA because of their mathematical skills.

Overall, this movie touches on some sensitive topics including: race relations, gender roles, and segregation. It also highlights the personality of John Glenn and how his first trip into space came to be. Sadly, John Glenn passed away December 8, 2016. If you are interested in learning more about how these women helped NASA, I suggest you watch the movie. I personally enjoyed the message behind the movie. Never be afraid of using your abilities to have a better future.