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The Athena Cinema before the screening of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
During the evening on Friday, Nov. 11, Ohio University's Athena Cinema was filled with the happy faces of students excited to see the new Marvel film: “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
There were 520 tickets to see the highly anticipated sequel film available for OHIO students, faculty and staff at no cost.
The screening was sponsored by student and University organizations. The collaboration involved Ohio University’s Black Student Union and Black Student Cultural Programming Board, along with the Division of Diversity and Inclusion, Multicultural Center, Student Senate and Office of the President.
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Senior Director for Diversity Education Initiatives Dr. Winsome Chunnu gave opening remarks prior to the start of the movie, explaining that “Black Panther” is Marvel’s first film with an African American director and first major superhero film with a predominantly African American cast.
Representing the Black community throughout the cast and direction of the film has had a direct impact on “Black Panther’s” engagement and empowerment within mainstream culture.
“I think Black Panther was a moment where you’re able to see that diversity and representation matters,” said OHIO Diversity Leadership Ambassador Re’Aija Grice. “I am hopeful when I think about my future children being able to see Black kings and queens who are superheroes, role models – and people you can look up to – I think that’s important.”
Students gathered at the theater and even shared what seeing the movie means to them.
“I cannot wait to see African culture being displayed in such a positive and prideful light, said sophomore Precious Rogers. “Being African myself, it just warms my heart to see my culture, and other cultures of the diaspora to be represented in Black Panther.”
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“I am really excited for the experience to see this movie with people within my community. Being how impactful this movie is to our generation, and to the people watching it, it makes us feel so powerful,” said sophomore student Hadiya Ray. “When you step out of the theater you feel so much power, love and acceptance.”