Here’s how you can help Philly girls see ‘Hidden Figures’ for free

Following a national trend, Philly nonprofit Camp Sojourner is raising money for girls to see Hidden Figures this week. The movie tells the story of three Black women who helped send a man into space.

https://twitter.com/ameliaexmachina/status/823893564836970497

Camp Sojouner serves girls ages eight to 17, the majority of whom are eligible for free or reduced lunch. More than two-thirds of their constituency is Black.

Why’s this important? Put simply, representation. We’ve heard over and over again that if tech communities hope to develop a STEM pipeline that includes girls and people of color, it’s important that young people see people who look like them working in those fields. (That’s also the driving thesis of a documentary film screening in D.C. this week.)

Technologists and organizers Corinne Warnshuis, Amber Reeves and LeeAnn Kinney, plus Salesforce evangelist Mary Scotton, have already backed the effort, said Amelia Longo, the Interactive Mechanics staffer who’s a board member and camp counselor for the org.

There are three was to pitch in, Longo said:

• Donate online. ($10 buys one ticket.)
• Email Longo at amelia(at)interactivemechanics(dot)com if you want to pledge to send a check.
• Buy tickets online and email them to her.

You can also get involved by attending Camp Sojourner’s Share the Love Happy Hour benefit on Feb. 22.