Final answer:
The film 'Hidden Figures' tells the story of three African American women at NASA in the 1960s who were instrumental in the success of the space race, displaying remarkable skills in mathematics, computer programming, and engineering while overcoming discrimination.
Step-by-step explanation:
The film Hidden Figures showcases the remarkable contributions of three African American women who worked at NASA during the 1960s. These women, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, each played critical roles in the space race and overcoming the challenges of their time. Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician, was pivotal in calculating orbital mechanics, essential to the success of the first American spaceflights and ultimately the moon landing. Dorothy Vaughan was an expert in FORTRAN, an early computer programming language, which she taught to her colleagues at NASA, becoming a leading figure in the transition from human to machine computing. Mary Jackson, through determination and skill, became NASA's first black female engineer, contributing to the aerodynamics analysis of flight. Despite their substantial skills and contributions, these women faced substantial discrimination and social challenges, both as females and as African Americans in a segregated country.
The legacy of these women teaches current and future generations about the value of perseverance, the importance of diversity in STEM fields, and the significant yet often overlooked contributions of women in science and engineering. Their stories highlight the transformative impact of nurturing talent and breaking through barriers, regardless of gender or race.