Book with a Movie Highlight: Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Hidden Figures, also a book was written by Margot Lee Shetterly, tells the history of African-American mathematicians at NASA. Film writers Melfi and Allison Schroeder tells the story of Dorothy Vaughn, Katherine G. Johnson, and Mary Jackson.  The movie stars, Taraji P. Henson, as Katherine, Octavia Spencer as Dorothy Vaughn, and Janelle Monae, as Mary Jackson.

The film shares the stories of these women as they settle into careers during segregation.  Each woman's accomplishments defeat the "status quo" during the Civil Rights Era. Having to deal not only with barriers based on race, Jackson, Vaughn, and Johnson dealt with gender barriers, as well.  The movie was inspiring and made you appreciate their commitment to being African American and women fighters within the workplace.

I will not explain the life lessons because I do not what to share spoilers. However, if you have seen the movie, you know where these life lessons come from in the film. Here are the ten life lessons that I learned from watching Hidden figures:

Purchase the book.

*When you do not know, go to the library.

*When you learn something, help others learn. 

*Remain humble and determined. Always remain humble. Figure out what you want and do not stop until you get it.

*Do good work.

*Stick up for yourself. No one is obligated to fight your fight. 

*Spousal support is important to a person's success, if someone is in a relationship. 

*You can always be "the first." 

*Friendship and social events help with the balance of work and life. 

*Teaching your children what's right, what's just,and what's important is your responsibility. 

*You know what you know.  No one can take that away from you. 

I plan to read the book by Margot Lee Shetterly soon.  I hate seeing a movie before I read the book.  Anyway, I am hoping that the accuracy of the book is directly reflected in the film.  I have my fingers crossed.   Have you seen the movie? What did you think?  Let's talk.