Why Black Panther 2 is Important to Me

 

 

As a little girl, I always wanted to be someone else. I loved superheroes, so naturally, I wanted to be the heroes I saw on the screen. Unfortunately, none of the heroes I saw ever looked like me. This ingrained a sense of self-hate into my young mind– so much so that when I would see Black characters on the screen– especially Black female characters, I was quick to slot them as my least favourite.

 

Such a grim start to a blog isn’t it?

 

I cried after watching Black Panther 2. Like full-on sobbing into my pillows. That’s how impactful the movie was to me.

 

For the first time, I got to see people who looked like me(Black Women) be lead heroes on screen. We were introduced to Riri Williams, a college student who I could immediately relate to in more ways than just her personality. We were shown to be strong. We were shown to be leaders. And we were portrayed in a way that was real to us and finally not stereotyped.

 

I am thankful for this because it showed me that it is possible for me to be something without having to be someone else.

 

…I, a 17-year-old Black girl at the time could be the lead hero in my own story just as I was. I didn’t need to be born a few shades lighter to be able to do that.

 

That is what Black Panther 2 showed me.

 

That is why the movie is impactful for me.

 

Wakanda Forever.