O
ne of my favorite movies is Hid-
den Figures. This biographical
drama film chronicles the con-
tributions of some of the space
program’s unsung heroines at a critical time
in American history. Dorothy Vaughan,
Katherine Johnson and
Mary Jackson along
with 30 or so other
remarkable women did
the impossible when it
mattered most. A phe-
nomenal cast including
Octavia Spencer, Taraji
P. Henson, Janelle
Monáe, Mahershala
Al, Kevin Costner
and numerous other
supporting actors and
actresses brought an
unheralded moment
in history to life that has been conveniently
omitted from history books.
The historical and social significance of
Hidden Figures is readily apparent. As events
unfold, the collaboration and resiliency of
these women emerges. Fortunately, they
had tremendous support from their spouses,
families and friends. Yet, coping with and
working through constant efforts to tear
down their intellect as women, worth as
humans and belief in the abilities God had
given them, required them to be purpose-
fully resilient individually and collectively
day after day to survive and succeed where
they were unwelcomed as women and unap-
preciated for their genius.
Sometime, the type of fellowship and
sisterhood they shared seems all but lost.
Far too often we see
women portrayed in
ways that highlight
competitive and nega-
tive overtones toward
each other. The idea
that women cannot
peacefully coexist is
perpetuated in almost
every form of media,
from “reality” shows to
talk shows to trolls on
social media. The ques-
tion is, why? Why do
women feel the need to
tear each other down rather than build each
other up? It’s unproductive, self-defeating
and negates their individual efforts to get
ahead.
It is time to change the narrative
back to what it once was when women
could count on each other, and Dr. Angela
Anderson and Candace Morgan are doing
just that with their new podcast, Just Be Real
Sis.
We first introduced you to “Dr. Angela”
in our November/December issue. She is a
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