"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" screening, primer
UNCSA faculty and staff have an opportunity to attend a movie screening of "Black
Panther: Wakanda Forever" specifically taking place Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022 at 7:15
p.m. at a Winston-Salem theatre.
In preparation for the viewing, it’s my hope that you’ll take the time to reflect on the discussion questions provided from Black Panther primer. This primer will open your mind to thinking about "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" as more than just a superhero film for the sake of entertainment, but a critique of our society. A film like this has relevance in every area of our university, in how we approach our work with students, analyze the past, and create a path forward for our goals for equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
If you are interested and available to experience this moment with your fellow UNCSA colleagues, please request a film screening ticket. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
History of Marvel's Black Panther character
When Black Panther was first introduced in the Marvel Comics it was the late 1960s, which was an important time in the civil rights movement. The creation of T’Challa and the Afro-futuristic nation of Wakanda showed a different point of view of the content of Africa.
In 2018, Black Panther broke all kinds of records, including at the box office and in nominations and awards. But even more significantly, it was a cultural phenomenon to see such a representation of various African cultures represented so authentically in a major film release of one of the most recognizable cinematic universes.
Commentators are expecting "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" feature of pre-Columbian American culture, specifically ancient Aztec culture, to do the same thing. This is significant as a widening of the way we envision Native Americans and Indigenous cultures in a major blockbuster film. It’s timely that this is taking place in November, which is National Native American Indian Heritage Month. Once again, Black Panther is positioned to be another major moment in cinematic cultural representation.
Contact: Tasha Myers
Nov. 11, 2022