"Shuri's Wakanda"
In this piece, I celebrate the movie that continues to annihilate records and create history: Black Panther. The movie provided much needed representation for the black community, depicting black women and men as royals, warriors, intellects, leaders, and visionaries. Women had as much influence and power as the men, if not more. T'Challa's sister shaped Wakanda into the technological wonder that it is. The movie addresses the politics of interventionism vs isolationism, being a part of the African Diaspora, revenge, and the struggle of not becoming the things you fear. This work of science fiction drove a spear through stereotypes, misconceptions, and the idea that movies with a diverse cast do not appeal to audiences. This movie started the healing of Hollywood's history of exclusivity and will open the door for more movies like it. Wakanda forever! |