Black Panther...what can I say that hasn’t already been said? It was phenomenal, stunning and all around one gorgeous film. From the extravagance of the sets, to the elaborate costuming, to the jaw dropping beauty of the ensemble cast, “Black Panther” was a wonder to behold. For two hours and thirty minutes we all were spellbound by the kingdom of Wakanda. The story of a young king T’Challa and his alter ego superhero kept us entertained and left us inspired. A melanin rich, optical feast, “Black Panther” served as a cinematic feat for many. For me it was so much more. An intersection of culture, pride and promise, this movie left me elevated.
{For The Culture} Many black Americans have yearned for a connection to the motherland. Our ancestral mapping has historically been challenging; an unfortunate byproduct of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Generations of us haven’t a clue how our rituals directly align with those of our ancestors. We aren’t able to fully grasp the enormity and variances of people, cultures and dialects within the African continent. Black Panther did an amazing job in presenting the black diaspora within its characters. Africans, as well as African Americans, are not monolithic. Regional attributes inform our traditions and distinctions. I felt particularly proud that I’d been given the gift of a best friend who happened to be from Africa. She and her Cameroonian parents welcomed me into their lives and home at a very early age. Through many weekend visits I would drink in all of their rich customs on display. The smell of their foods, the intricacies in the taste, the melodic tones of their dialects all fed my curiosity without them even knowing it. The beauty of my bestie’s name alone, Claude-Natalie still enchants me. My lasting relationship with the Eyamba family provided me an unparalleled peek into a society closed off to many of us at a tender age. Even then I knew to appreciate how special this was and was delighted to take it all in. The vibrancy of the movie brought me back to that place.
{Pride Overflowing} Howard University is the Mecca. A utopia brimming with people of all kinds. A literal parade of excellence all for your indulgence. Within this Mecca is the School of Fine Arts, where many of our beloved artists and performers would hone their crafts. Producing notables such as Roberta Flack, Debbie Allen and Ossie Davis among countless others, HU Fine Arts has created a legacy of unmatched talent. We had accomplished mentors and educators, the likes of Al Freeman, Bill Duke and Phylicia Rashaad, to challenge and foster our budding talent. To see my classmate, Chadwick Boseman, shine in this way leaves me breathless. He has been successful before, starring in films such as “Get on Up,” “42,” and “Marshall.” Top billing isn’t a new thing for him, but this felt different. I’m not speaking in terms of budgets or aesthetics. In a very real way, this starring role is making a cultural impact that far outweighs any nominal amount accredited to box office sales domestically or worldwide.
Having attended Howard at the particular time I did (1995-2000), I was blessed be engaged and emerged in a sea of talent. There are many others that have done and are currently doing amazing work. Make no mistake that my pride for them is not reflected in their names being in rolling credits. My pride for them started in the corners of our Environmental Theater Space (ETS) as they performed original scenes in directing class with Prof. Katz. My pride for them continued with rousing performances in productions like, “Purlie Victorious,” and “Jelly’s Last Jam.” My pride for them bowled over standing shoulder to shoulder with them as we stormed the Administration Building in protest; sleeping outside in defense of our College of Fine Arts’ status being reduced to a division. Demanding answers from the powers that be. Watching the excellence of Black Panther transported me back to the steps of the fine arts building where we would sit as young dreamers, prophetically speaking these days into existence. They are now poets, singers, playwrights, writers, broadway heroines, television and movies stars. And they remain global citizens, social justice seekers and lovers of their respective crafts. They are a collective of amazing artists that are just as extraordinary at being good people. Chad is among them. I only hope that I can join them in creating art that is as impactful as the place from which we came; filling them with the same sense of pride that I sit with whenever they win (which is often).
{Promise of Representation} Representation is important. Seeing images of oneself in positions of prominence can be validating and serve as a launching pad of possibilities for the future. On a very small scale I learned this in 1991 when I was cast as “Clara,” the leading role in Ballet Hysell’s “Nutcracker.” As a young dancer, it was a crowning achievement to land any leading role, let alone a holiday season tradition. Started at the age of two, I was cast as a mouse in 1979. I was filled with pride knowing that my years of training and hard work had gotten me there. I was twelve years old at the time. And what I didn’t account for was what having my role would mean to the community at large. As the word spread, there was an excitement building. Particularly among the public school community. When we opened for our school run we had sold out shows. The theater was packed with children excited to see a “Clara” in their own image. For many of them this was a first. A first to see a person of color in this role or performing ballet at all. After the shows I’d wave from an open window in my dressing room as their busses left. For years after I’d hear what that meant to them and the sense of pride it provided. I can only imagine the impact on what seeing these characters on the big screen does for children. What sense of pride the girls must’ve been filled with to see themselves portrayed as powerful warriors. How many little boys will delight in seeing themselves portrayed as royalty? How many kids will be inspired to further explore their own interest in the advancement of science and technology? I can’t wait to see countless little black panthers trick or treating come October. Beyond what is being portrayed, how many young actors, writers, comic artists and directors will this film birth? Time in its fullness will tell.
Black Panther is fictional and Wakanda is a place in our dreams. But the truth in the fiction is that it is heavily based in the realities of our ancestors. Africa was a resource rich and industrial continent. It’s people and our descendants were on the forefront of architectural and agricultural ways and means. Do we need a superhero movie to feel pride? Absolutely not. For many of us, we needn’t look past our front doors for inspiration. Was it heartwarming and awesome to experience this example of filmmaking? Yes. Yes. Yes.
Congratulations to my fellow Bison and classmate Chadwick Boseman on his outstanding performance. And congratulations to the entire team for gifting us all this level of excellence in our image. It was well worth the wait. Wakanda Forever.