Set against the backdrop of the 1960s Space Race, “Hidden Figures” tells the inspiring true story of three brilliant African-American women who played pivotal roles at NASA during a time of racial segregation and gender discrimination. Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) work as “human computers” at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Virginia, performing complex mathematical calculations critical to the success of the U.S. space program.

Katherine, a math prodigy, is assigned to the Space Task Group, where she faces both racial and gender bias while calculating the trajectories for John Glenn’s historic orbit around Earth. Dorothy, a natural leader, fights to be recognized as a supervisor while teaching herself and her team the programming skills needed for the new IBM computers threatening to replace them. Mary, an aspiring engineer, challenges the system to become NASA’s first Black female engineer by taking her case to court to attend an all-white school.

As the women navigate personal and professional challenges, their perseverance, intellect, and determination break barriers and pave the way for future generations. “Hidden Figures” is a celebration of their unsung contributions to one of humanity’s greatest achievements and a powerful reminder of the importance of equality and inclusion.

Time: 2:00-4:15 pm EST

Free!