Humboldt HS students treated to free screening of ‘Hidden Figures’

HUMBOLDT, Tenn. — More than 200 high school students took over the movie theaters Monday morning in support of 2017 box office hit “Hidden Figures.”

As part of the Humboldt City Schools Black History Month celebration, students in ninth through 12th grade at Humboldt Senior High School were able to view the movie free of charge thanks to local businessman Ralph Jones.

Jones said he saw the movie weeks ago and was inspired by the message. “Hidden Figures” tells the story of three black women who were the brains behind outer space operations for NASA.

“I hope they get a chance to see history and how things have changed so much for the better but also to see heroes and what they can aspire to in their own lives,” Jones said.

Director of Schools Dr. Versie Hamlett said learning about the past is necessary to work toward a better future.

“Our students really need to know what actually happened in the past so we can learn to make the future even better for our students,” Hamlett said.

Jones said hometown heroes from the Plaza Theater in Humboldt deserve recognition for getting special permission from Twentieth Century Fox for the Monday showing.