Review of "Hidden Figures" - Reflections on Equality, Humanity, and Progress

Mustafa Saidalavi Mohamed

"Hidden Figures" beautifully captures the lives and challenges of the "West Area Computers," a group of Black women mathematicians at NASA who, despite facing racial segregation, made groundbreaking contributions to space exploration. Referred to as "colored computers," these women, including Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, navigated both social and professional barriers, transforming a segregated society with their resilience and expertise. Their journey in the 1960s serves as a reminder of the importance of equality, the role of allies in progress, and the lasting impact of dignity and human rights. This review examines three core aspects that "Hidden Figures" brings to light:

1. America in the 1960s: Racial Segregation in Everyday Life : "Hidden Figures" offers a glimpse into the realities of 1960s America, where racial segregation impacted daily life in subtle yet powerful ways. In NASA’s Langley Research Center, even a place dedicated to science and exploration was marked by divisions: Black women mathematicians were isolated in the West Area Computing Unit, or "colored computer room," separate from their white colleagues.

This segregation extended to other spaces like bathrooms, coffee pots, and lunch tables, enforcing a constant reminder of racial hierarchy. Yet, it was within these limits that these women’s courage shone brightest. They continued to excel, proving that talent and intellect are boundless, even in a world intent on containing them.

2. The Fight Against Racism: Allies and Change-Makers : While the film spotlights the resilience of the West Area Computers, it also highlights the vital role of allies in challenging segregation. Figures like Al Harrison, who saw the unjust hurdles his colleagues faced, made efforts to break down barriers—famously smashing a "Colored Ladies Room" sign to enable equal access.

His actions, as well as the support of others who recognized the injustice of segregation, allowed Katherine Johnson to step out of the "colored computer room" and join the main team, where her skills could shine. This collaboration underscores the necessity of collective action to bring about real progress against racial injustice.

3. A Historical Reflection: Equality in Islam 1400 Years Ago

Reflecting on the journey of the West Area Computers brings to mind the teachings of Islam, which introduced principles of equality and brotherhood over 1,400 years ago. In a society where slavery and racial prejudice were widespread, Prophet Muhammad emphasized the equality of all people, regardless of their race or social status. His close companion Bilal, a former Ethiopian slave, became one of the most respected figures in the early Muslim community.

Bilal's role as the caller to prayer (muezzin) marked an unprecedented level of inclusion, highlighting how true equality had been practiced centuries before modern civil rights movements. This legacy reminds us that the struggle for dignity and human rights is universal, timeless, and fundamental to all societies.

"Hidden Figures" is more than a story of personal achievement. It is a testament to the resilience of individuals and the importance of allies in the fight for equality. As we reflect on the strides made in the past, it’s an enduring call to remember the universal principles of justice and humanity that can and should unite us all.

#HiddenFigures #WestAreaComputers #ColoredComputers #KatherineJohnson #DorothyVaughan #MaryJackson #NASA #Segregation #RacialEquality #CivilRights #BlackHistory #WomenInSTEM #STEMHeroes #SpaceRace #AmericanHistory #EqualityForAll #InspiringStories #SocialJustice #ChangeMakers #AlHarrison #AlliesForEquality #Resilience #BreakingBarriers #AfricanAmericanHistory #HiddenHeroes #HistoricalReflection #IslamicEquality #ProphetMuhammad #BilalIbnRabah #UnityAndJustice