Hidden Figures tells the story of how NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson crossed many gender and race traces to assist launch astronaut John Glenn into outer area.
Primarily based on the unbelievably true life tales of those three girls, Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae, and Octavia Spencer assist to convey this story to the large display screen — which positively qualifies as some Black Lady Magic. When you’re nonetheless unsure it meets the criterium, listed here are 5 the reason why Hidden Figures epitomizes #BlackGirlMagic:
1. It’s an Inspiration!
With the STEM gender hole over-ruled by males in pc science and engineering, Hidden Figures gives help and inspiration for a lot of younger girls pursuing STEM careers. The already troublesome topic within the late ’60s was of excessive significance for these girls to endure. Their bravery was one vastly appreciated until now. 40+ years later, we nonetheless admire their bravery!
Their perseverance wasn’t nearly fixing equations; it was about breaking boundaries and demanding a seat on the desk. That sort of bravery echoes throughout generations, reminding younger girls — particularly younger Black girls — that their place in STEM isn’t solely legitimate however very important.
40+ years later, we’re nonetheless in awe of their braveness, nonetheless impressed by their legacy, and nonetheless fired as much as carry the torch. Hidden Figures doesn’t simply retell historical past — it reminds us that the way forward for STEM belongs to us, too.
2. It’s Breaking Obstacles
Hidden Figures tells the story of three highly effective African-American girls who managed to interrupt racial and gender boundaries. Going through racial disturbances through the Civil Rights Motion and breaking work roles, these girls assist paved the best way for many people to do what we do. They show that Black woman magic actually can’t be contained!
Their story isn’t nearly math or science — it’s about braveness, resilience, and rewriting the narrative of who will get to be a pacesetter in STEM. By breaking by means of oppressive programs and redefining what was attainable, these girls paved the best way for generations of Black women and girls to dream greater, push more durable, and declare area in industries that weren’t constructed with us in thoughts.
They’re the blueprint. They’re the receipts. And so they’re dwelling proof that brilliance is aware of no boundaries. Hidden Figures reminds us that Black excellence is unstoppable, and that our tales, our voices, and our brilliance won’t ever be contained.
3. There’s Historic Significance
Rising up, we had been taught a few of our nation’s unbelievable, but, tough historical past. From historic wars to the world’s area race to the moon, we had been by no means taught the historical past behind our nation’s most fulfilling second. With Apollo 11 being the primary spaceflight to land people on the moon, it modified all science and arithmetic analysis to an unbelievable diploma. Now we all know the wonderful girls behind all of it!
That’s the place Hidden Figures modifications the sport. For the primary time, we’re given the names and faces of the sensible girls — Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson — whose mathematical genius and unshakable perseverance helped launch America into the longer term. These girls weren’t simply working behind the scenes; they had been rewriting the chances of science and expertise whereas dismantling boundaries of race and gender within the course of.
Now, we lastly know the reality: the moon touchdown wasn’t only a victory for astronauts— it was a victory for Black girls whose brilliance carried us all past the celebrities.
4. It’s Primarily based on a Finest-Promoting Novel — Written By a Black Lady!
Not solely does Hidden Figures inform the story of an distinctive group of girls, however the movie itself is predicated on a best-selling novel written by Margot Lee Shetterly! She recovered the legacy of all of NASA’s wonderful human computer systems and feminine mathematicians and introduced all of it to life. It takes a particular sort of magic to seize the story of this extraordinary group and contact the hearts of individuals all internationally!
Her guide doesn’t simply chronicle historical past — it breathes life into it, honoring the ladies whose mind and perseverance helped launch a nation into the celebrities. Adapting that story to movie was no small feat, however the result’s pure cinematic alchemy. It takes a particular sort of storytelling magic to spotlight the genius of this extraordinary group and encourage audiences across the globe, reminding us that brilliance, braveness, and resilience are timeless.
5. It’s Janelle Monae’s On-Display Break!
Janelle Monae takes the leap from music to appearing as she makes her debut in Hidden Figures. Her tenacity sends a message to younger African-American girls all over the place which you can actually do all of it! In an interview with Billboard in 2013, she talked about her love for science and was “considering of going and being part of NASA, becoming a member of their tech workforce, [to] get a free journey to area.”
To younger African-American girls watching, Monáe proves you may be multifaceted, formidable, and unstoppable. She reveals us that you just don’t have to decide on between passions. You’ll be able to embrace all of them and nonetheless shine.
What makes this position much more particular is how private it feels. Again in a 2013 Billboard interview, Monáe revealed her personal love for science, joking that she thought of becoming a member of NASA’s tech workforce simply to snag a free journey to area. Quick ahead a number of years, and she or he’s actually moving into the story of girls who helped form area historical past. That’s greater than full circle — it’s cosmic future.
Revisit the groundbreaking story that impressed thousands and thousands — stream Hidden Figures now or seize a replica so as to add to your assortment
