Michelle Obama to host ‘Hidden Figures’ White House screening

Michelle Obama will host a screening of Hidden Figures, which tells the story of three black women who were integral parts of the space program in the 1960s.

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As the Obama administration draws to a close, First Lady Michelle Obama is set to host a screening of the new film Hidden Figures, which tells the story of three African-American women who were integral parts of the space program in the 1960s.

Mrs. Obama has already seen the film and is expected to give remarks at the screening. While we don’t know whether or not President Barack Obama will attend the screening, the First Family has said that the story of African-American mathematicians overcoming racism and other barriers to help put a man in space has drawn their interest.

The film follows the story of Taraji P. Henson’s Katherine Johnson, a physicist and mathematician who came up with the equations necessary for space flight. Along with her colleagues, Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae), Johnson is part of the team that helped put John Glenn into orbit.

Johnson, who is now 97 years old and was bestowed with the Medal of Freedom by President Obama will be in attendance, as will the film’s stars, along with Melfi, Pharrell Williams and top executives from Fox and Chernin Entertainment.

Hidden Figures hits select theaters Dec. 25 and opens nationwide Jan. 6.

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