Submitted photo: Moviegoers DeWayne Johnson, Amanda Johnson, their children Kendall and Kalel, Medina Oliver, and Kool Comics store owner Andre Oliver stand together after watching the movie ‘Black Panther’ at GTC Valdosta Cinemas.

Marvel’s “Black Panther” movie is generating historical buzz and the excitement has made its way to GTC Valdosta Cinemas. According to the management at the cinema, the movie’s opening night was completely sold out. 

“The ‘Black Panther’ movie did a great job building the mythology of the character. Personally, I compare it to the success of Star Wars,” stated Andre Oliver, owner of Valdosta’s longstanding comic book store Kool Comics. His wife, Medina, agreed, “It was the best movie I’ve seen in a long time.”

In a world where diversity is often treated as an act of charity instead of a requirement, the film challenges the pervasive idea that our heroes can only be white and male.

The anticipation, especially from African-Americans, is vastly met with many inspiring themes the film offers to show like never seen before on the big screen. T’Challa, the new King of Wakanda, dons an impenetrable suit, has superhuman abilities, and is the wealthiest superhero that exists, whether in DC or the Marvel Universe. The African nation of Wakanda is the most technologically advanced country in the entire world. The young princess, Shuri, is a tech wizard and is responsible for creating weapons for “Black Panther” that surpass the innovation of James Bond, Bruce Wayne, or even Tony Stark.

“Black Panther” is not just a hero and a king, the character is also an inspiration for a new generation of moviegoers and the way we view African culture. In addition, the movie sets a new standard not only for Hollywood but for African-American families and communities.

“This movie shows us how significant people of African descent are and the potential of our greatness within humanity and our impact on the world as we wake up to embracing our own cultural independence,” stated DeWayne Johnson, who like others around the world chose to celebrate the movie premiere by wearing traditional African attire to see the movie with family and friends.

Young African-American girls and boys who may have been ashamed to wear clothing specific to their African culture may be prouder of their heritage upon leaving the theater. African-American women who have been shown almost exclusively with straight hair onscreen might be inspired by the movie to wear their hair naturally after seeing the standard for African beauty that “Black Panther” displays.

Amanda Johnson summed up her experience, “I didn’t want to leave the theater. The comfort of being enveloped within the expressions of African culture and undertones served as a euphoric experience as I watched ‘Black Panther.’ It felt odd having to return to the reality of Western culture once the movie was over.”

DeWayne Johnson, Co-Founder, BridgeBuilder Education & Investments, LLC . Program Director, Young Entrepreneurs Academy – Valdosta.