CHATHAM — Nonprofit Girls Like Me Project will host a screening of “Hidden Figures” followed by educational activities for girls Saturday.
The Fox film, starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae, tells the true story of three African American women at NASA — Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) — who played a major role in helping launch astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
The movie will show at Chatham Studio Movie Grill, 210 W. 87th St. The event is from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The event will target girls ages 10-16. The $26 ticket, which can be purchased through Eventbrite, will include a breakfast buffet, interactive math and science games, spoken word, prizes and more.
LaKeisha Sewell, organizer and founder of the girls group, posted on Facebook that this film aligns with her mission to “expose girls to powerful contributions of Black women in spaces that have otherwise muted their impact.”
“Our goal is to inspire girls to dream big and identify as change agents as an alternative to the depictions of violence, misogyny, and hyper-sexualized images and media they often consume,” she posted.
Sewell said she wants the young ladies to leave the event feeling hopeful about their future and to believe in themselves.
The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math activities will hopefully pique their interest in the STEM field, Sewell said.
They will take a STEM personality quiz on iPads to show them potential careers they could pursue. There will be a social dance-off to a science themed song and even a STEM panel discussion.
The participants will interact with other girls.
“We want there to be a sense of pride for themselves and black women,” Sewell said. “We want them to believe in the ability to transform the world with sisterhood.”
The Girls Like Me Project is seeking organizations or individuals who would like to sponsor a child. They can contact the group at 773-599-3490.
Purchase tickets through Eventbrite here.
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