1,165 Philadelphia students going to see 'Hidden Figures' thanks to $13K donation

Wednesday, February 1, 2017
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- More than 1,000 Philadelphia students are getting the chance to see the Oscar-nominated film 'Hidden Figures' thanks to a $13,000 donation, the School District of Philadelphia announced Wednesday.

The donation comes from Philadelphia-based employees of businesses DuPont and Deloitte.
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An online ticket code was given to 1,165 students at Science Leadership Academy, Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, and Science Leadership Academy Middle School.

The students were able to go to a free screening of 'Hidden Figures' at theaters throughout the city.



'Hidden Figures' is an uplifting drama about African-American mathematicians who aided NASA's 1960s space race, starring Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae and Octavia Spencer.



"The positive experience allowed students to learn about the contributions of African-American innovators as schools across the city celebrate Black History Month," the Philadelphia School District said in a statement.

The movie won Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at the 2017 Screen Actors Guild Awards. Henson closed the ceremony with a message about the movie's meaning.
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"This story is about unity," Henson said. ''This story is about what happens when we put our differences aside and we come together as a human race. We win. Love wins. Every time."

'Hidden Figures' is nominated for three Oscars including Best Picture.

The 89th Oscars telecast airs on 6abc on Sunday, February 26 at 7 p.m.

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The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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