Sitting in a Harlem movie theater full of my favorite people, who majority of them somehow managed to sneak their $5 Popeye's boxes and drinks into the movie, I was anxious to see the hype behind this #WakandaForever hashtag that has been on social media for the past two weeks. Before even getting ten minutes into the movie, I decided that I would never come to Harlem to see a movie again. I'd rather pay the extra five or six dollars to sit in a quiet.... Or more calm type of crowd, but then I wouldn't get to appreciate the luxury of eating Popeye's in the theater. Anyway, the movie was great and I'm not here to spoil it for the late people who still have not managed to see it.
There's no way to avoid how much greatness comes along with the Black Panther. The movie was great, the artwork is good, even the Black Panther album on iTunes is worth a download; and lets not forget the puns and hysterical jokes that move the crowd who understands the references. At this point, I should just go see the movie again and stop typing, but let me get to my main point. I believe Wakanda represents so much more than a secret society, its more of an experience that only a few can enjoy. Sure, the thought of Wakanda representing the Mother Land is a great reference, but on a different scale, I feel that Wakanda represents a HBCU. Most HBCUs do not seem as appealing as major state universities or PWIs; they are more of a hidden gem that is appreciated the most by the people who commute and attend them, because we know the outcome is better when our people come together.
By the way, I am a proud product of a HBCU, so it's only right for me to shoutout Prairie View A&M University. It was such a great place to embrace being Black and Black Excellence, while not having to share the light with what Shuri would consider to be "colonizers." The school spirit that takes over the student body at these HBCUs is equivalent to vibranium in the Black Panther. In other words, we have access to resources and spiritual roots that are stronger than other places in the world. Again, if you do not know what vibranium is, go see the movie... like now! Also, note how the different groups come together to form a community, but still stick to their classifications when its time to take a stand; similar to the different majors at a college who are all there for the same purpose.
The part of the movie where young black boys look up and express joy in seeing T'Challa as a powerful Black hero makes the movie so much better, or the most relatable to me. The film portrays healthy family relationships, great costume designs, male characters showing emotions, and even females with complex roles in society in a positive manner. To add to that , Killmonger had a few "woke" things to say, that shouldn't be overlooked. After reading reviews from other perspectives on the movie, it is easily understood that the black excellence in this movie does not focus on white supremacy, but more of appreciation for the black community. On that thought, I'm going to see the movie again!
In the words of Solange on one of her best songs: "For us, this shit is for us. Don't try to come for us."