Because of Hidden Figures, the film about a group of African-American women who contributed to NASA’s space program in the 1960s, are hidden no more. To continue to honor the Women of NASA’s legacy and inspire other young women, Lego is launching a new toy set of mini-figures.
The collection, which was brought to life by Maia Weinstock, will include NASA trajectory expert Katherine Johnson, whom Taraji P. Henson played in the film, as well as MIT computer scientist Margaret Hamilton, Fortune reports. The mini-figures will also include Mae Jemison, first African American woman in space; Sally Ride, first American woman in space, and physicist Nancy Grace Roman. In addition to its many characters, the set will include mini versions of computer programming machines, and the historic Hubble Space telescope.
Celebrate the pioneers, encourage the next generation. Happy Intl. Day of Women and Girls in Science! #womeninscience #girlsinscience pic.twitter.com/m2TVOqSAiM
— Lego Women of NASA (@LegoNASAWomen) February 11, 2017
“We’re really excited to be able to introduce Maia’s Women of NASA set for its inspirational value as well as build and play experience,” a Lego representative said in an official statement. The toy company’s goal is that the new figure will inspire girls to pursue careers in STEM, technology, and engineering.
To read more, go to: http://www.vibe.com/2017/03/hidden-figures-lego-toy-set-nasa/
Reblogged this on Geeking Out about It.
This is exciting news. I’ts wonderful to see these women get the recognition they deserve, even in the form of “action figures,” which could take us into a conversation about capitalism and exploitation. For today, at least, I’ll stick with the idea that such toys will spark many a child’s imagination about possibilities and how cool it is to see these valiant women portrayed in toys.
And now that Lego has figured out it can make appealing toys for girls that aren’t pink and purple, perhaps it will return to just making fun toys without a section of “girly” colors.