What does #BlackPanther mean to you?

The latest Marvel installment may be the most political, entertaining and provocative yet. ‘Black Panther’ stormed box offices a week ago, smashing records and filling theatres with eager viewers of all ages. It has won praise from critics, celebrities and audiences alike. and it has sparked a huge reaction from black people all over the world.

Lauded for its representation, the Disney Studio’s superhero film is a departure from most others of its kind. With a black director, writer, costume designer, a leading cast of black men and women and a budget of more than $200 million, ‘Black Panther’ opened to huge fanfare.

Images of people dressing up to see the movie and dancing and singing afterwards went viral. People raised funds to ensure as many black children as possible could see it. On the African continent viewers celebrated the fictitious African nation of Wakanda, and its depiction as a wealthy and influential superpower. The #BlackPanther hashtag has been used more than five million times, and is still growing, on social media.

While many are celebrating the movie, it has also sparked wide ranging debates. Many are talking about the tension they say it has exposed between black Africans and black Americans. Others have bemoaned the power that the United States wields over Africa and its politics. And journalist Azad Essa in South Africa wrote: “Unfortunately, this is a film that is about belonging and inclusion into an existing template. Not justice.”

On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:

Jesse Holland @jessejholland
Author, The Black Panther: Who Is The Black Panther?
jessejholland.com

Chika Oduah @chikaoduah 
Journalist
chika-oduah.com

Loyiso Mkize @loyiso_mkize  
Creator and illustrator, “Kwezi”
kwezicomics.co.za

Seren Sensei @seren_sensei
Activist 

Read more: 

Audiences across Africa Hail ‘Black Panther’ for humanizing black characters – The Root
The glorious pageant of Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ – Riot Material