I'm a black man living in America and I have been seeing my people go crazy over Marvel's latest film, "Black Panther". I'm not really puzzled but I am amazed at the success of the Marketing Machine of the Walt Disney company. They seized the moment. They capitalized on the socio-political climate and strategically released the movie during "Black History" month. Now, if you thought a black Storm Trooper was breaking the glass ceiling or Hermione being portrayed by a black woman or even "Luke Cage" on Netflix with it's empowering message; "Black Panther" was able to attract Black People in the way that Trekkies are drawn to Klingon speech classes. [After all, who wouldn't want to learn to speak Klingon?]
We did have other Black heroes and "Luke Cage" also had a predominantly black cast like most other films put out by black movie makers. But, this one was a about a Superhero from Africa. Blacks in America reach out and identify with Africa even though they may have never visited. Why? Well, unlike many other people in America who actually immigrated, We, Black Americans were stripped of our culture. Ask any white person in America about their heritage and they will be able to to tell you that they have a German, Italian, Polish or other ancestry. With Ancestry comes heroes of legend. This is something that Black America lacks. So, a character created by Stan Lee will have to suffice- for now.
"Black Panther" will have to serve as the gateway to the Motherland- for now.
I'm glad that people are wanting to connect with Africa in a more realistic way and are bringing to life the heroes within themselves. As, I work with the African-based blockchain www.Forus.Global , I hope that more people will want to make another real connection, one that will close the financial gap between those who go to the movies and those who make the movies.
I'm hoping my people will take empowerment serious and will go beyond chants. We have an opportunity now. The world is watching. Now that we have a centralized figure, a hero in "Black Panther", a gateway to the motherland; what will we do?
