Unashamed, I brag about the opportunity I had to celebrate Black Power at its best two times. I first saw the Black Panther with my girlfriends and then with my son. Both experiences were completely different. Of course, hanging with friends is fun but hanging with my little man is way more fun. Planning both outings almost felt like prepping for a wedding. The excitement of putting outfits together and ensuring that I was color coordinated for once brought out a rare side of me. I just had to represent well.
As I entered the AMC Loews Rio Cinema 18 in Gaithersburg MD the second time, anger and frustration took over me. I had left home without a movie ticket and got to the theater to extremely long lines. My debit card transaction refused to process and neither of the kiosks in the lobby was functioning. It looks like everyone was trying to purchase tickets at the same time. As I stood by with my seven years old, my head began to spin, watching the lines of people waiting to purchase tickets. I eventually made my way to the counter and the rest was history.
Now talk about Epic! I enjoyed every second of this superhero film, based on the Marvel Comics characters and must say, it is well deserving of hitting $1 Billion worldwide.
The film is inspirational, thought-provoking and compelling. When inspiration reaches the heart and simple yet profound examples of exemplifying character begin to resonate with others, it spreads like wildfire. That’s the reason for the movie reaching such milestones. It was more than great marketing and a great cast.
Other than the variety and shades of chocolate skin color all over the screen, Black Panther taught me many valuable lessons. As an Inspirational Speaker who values the diversity of race, gender, culture and healthy relationships, I embrace the lesson of not just reaching your circle but the masses. The people of Wakanda had to face their fears and decide whether or not they would use their technology to help the rest of the world. Wakanda had a global responsibility and they pursued it with grace and grit.
Wakanda Forever
Below are links to a few Black Panther goodies. Keep the memory alive.