Kimberly Jev, Journalist, Canada
I grew up in a Nigeria where for a long time graphic designers or comic book artists were not quite recognised. For me, Black Panther is a representation of a new dawn for Black people all around the world and not just North America. Through its cast and the diverse team that made it, Black Panther, is a revolutionary example that shows children in Nigeria and in the diaspora that they can succeed at professions that may not be generally accepted in our culture and societies. As a woman of colour who has struggled with being confident enough to present myself with my natural hair in environments where I am the minority, the decision for all the women in Black Panther to wear natural hair styles is also a game changer. For so long we have had to invest in alternative hairstyles that take us away from our true selves and force us into hiding. Seeing all the natural hairstyles and seeing black women standing with confidence in this film really changed some things for the better for me. #WakandaForever – Kimberley Jev
Dewumi Roye Okupe, Creative Specialist, USA
To me honestly, Black Panther means opportunity. As much as I love the movie (and I have seen it three times now), what I love more is the discussions it’s provoking (both good and bad) as well as the awareness it’s raising. It is also proving that superhero characters that are of African descent can be lucrative. Which is what people like me have been preaching for years. Black Panther has officially become a proof of concept for creators like me around the world who have characters that are based on or inspired by African culture, history or mythology. The floodgates are about to be open (I hope). I pray African investors can take this as a sign that you can actually make decent returns if you back quality African comics, animation and video games.
Felix Abraham Obi, Public Health Specialist, Abuja
I’m not really into movie premieres but ‘Black Panther’ has changed my position considerably. Last Saturday I queued up to watch it. My interest was piqued when I noticed some of viewers dressed up specially for it in flashy native attires. It was riveting all through. I loved the idea of a Black superhero that kids of African origin in homeland and the Diaspora can identify with. I particularly liked the idea of how the movie showed the possibility of Africa retaining its glorious past while being a strong player in the world of science and technology. Depicting African women as brave yet loyal warriors devoted to the protection of our society and preservation our core values hit a good note and their outstanding achievements in STEM, which will inspire our young girls to pursue seemingly unreachable dreams. I’m not surprised it has grossed millions of dollars at the box office so far. Like most fans of Black Panther, I intend to see the movie a second, maybe a third time.
Princess Emezue, Photographer, Nasarawa
Black Panther represents is story depicting the wealth of African culture. It’s an Afroscientric movie in a way the actors are kitted in their costumes. What the movie is trying to portray is what we started before the process was interrupted by colonial interference. People shouldn’t see us as slaves there’s more to us than meets the eye.