Posted by | Ray Cornelius

Grammy winning-superstar Pharrell Williams and Grammy nominated-singer turned actress Janelle Monáe hosted a very special Atlanta premiere of their upcoming film “Hidden Figures” on Wednesday night. The advanced screening was held at the Regal Atlantic Station and was followed by a private Soundtrack Listening Party at the Mean Street Music Studios in West Midtown.

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“Hidden Figures” tells the true story of mathematicians Dorothy Vaughn, Mary Jackson and Katherine Johnson, who all served as the brains behind America’s race against Russia to put a man in space. The women quickly rose the ranks of NASA and were known as “human computers.” The film features the extraordinary talents of Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe as the legendary trio. It also stars Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Mahershala Ali, Aldis Hodge as well as beloved Atlanta actresses Maria Howell, Karan Kendrick and Donna Biscoe.

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“Hidden Figures” is based on the upcoming book “Hidden Figures: The Story of the African-American Women Who Helped Win the Space Race” written by Margot Lee Shetterly.  It was shot on various locations throughout the state of Georgia including historic Morehouse College and in the city of Morrow.

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A number of celebrities attended the post screening Soundtrack Listening Party including Grammy winning-hip hop star Ludacris, TV, film and stage actress Jasmine Guy, TV and film actor Carl Payne, “Married to Medicine” star Lisa Nicole Carson and her husband Dr. Darren Naugles, hip hop entertainer Jidenna and rapper Big K.R.I.T. The Soundtrack Listening Party was hosted by Atlanta’s own DJ Drama.

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“Hidden Figures” is definitely a MUST SEE for the holidays. The film not only tells the untold story of these courageous women but it really speaks to the power and resilience of African-American women. Not only did these divas contribute to the success of the NASA program but they were the forerunners and civil rights pioneers who helped integrate a system that was completely White male driven. I urge everyone to take their little brown girls (and boys) to see this film and witness greatness on the big screen. But more than that, take them to see faces that look like their own and revel in the glory of these unsung heroines. Much respect to Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe for their award deserving performances and much love to Pharrell Williams for putting his “magic touch” on the film’s soundtrack.

See more images + the new “Hidden Figures” trailer below:

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My Hidden FiguresKiwi The Beauty, Xaviera Bryant and Kim Ford

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Janelle Monáe and Pharrell Williams during the Soundtrack Listening Partyimg_5158

Jasmine Guy rocking her vintage Prince Swag Bag

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The “Hidden Figures” Soundtrack features Lalah Hathaway & Kim Burrell

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Lisa Nicole Cloud & Dr. Darren Naugles 

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DJ Drama, Janelle Monáe and Pharrell Williams

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Carl Payne 

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Ludacris, Janelle Monáe, Pharrell Williams and Big K.R.I.T.

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Jiddena

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Julian Lark (Kontrol Magazine), Kiwi The Beauty, Xaviera Bryant (Ice Cream Convos),

Kim Ford (Jubilee Magazine) and Ray Cornelius

“Hidden Figures” opens in limited theaters on
Christmas Day and nationwide on Jan. 6, 2017

Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com

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