Park University’s Math Club and PSAB provided students with the opportunity to visit the Alamo Drafthouse in downtown Kansas City on Tuesday, January 23. The two clubs joined together to sponsor the trip to see the movie Hidden Figures.

Upon hearing the moviegoers reactions to the film, it was obvious the overall consensus was that the movie was well liked. However, some students left the movie with more than just feeling they had witnessed a great movie, but rather feeling they had a great sense of unity with those also in the theater.

The film focused on the racial and gender inequality experienced by African American women working in NASA. Although their talents and intelligence greatly benefited the program, the color of their skin and the fact they were women caused them to be looked down on and treated unfairly in the workplace and in all aspects of life. However, they were able to work through this and accomplish great things for not only themselves, but also for the United States of America.

President of Park Student Activities Board and Secondary Education and Biology major, Margarita Araiza has seen the movie many times but this viewing was different than the others. The Senior experienced a great feeling of unity and a sense of relief for the progress towards equality this country will continue to experience. With the audience filled with people of all races and cultures, the interactions with the movie were all the same. “We all laughed, cried, and reacted to the movie together.” said Araiza. “We all agreed that the treatment they faced wasn’t acceptable.”

With everyone being unified through the movie, it made the future of this country seem that much more hopeful that equality of all forms can be reached. “It was really empowering and inspiring to see what the women in the movie were able to accomplish,” said Araiza. “It gets young girls excited and shows boys that the future is bright for everyone.”

“During the movie, we only saw each others company and not race or gender,” said Araiza. “It made the the event that much more worth it.” It also made the trip more memorable for the PSAB president after all the hard work of helping to organize the trip.

“It becomes more about work ethic than race and gender,” said Araiza. “There is still so much to accomplish, but I have no doubt that my peers as well as many others will continue to have a voice, act and influence our future in a positive light.”