Marvel’s Black Panther is already cementing its place in cinematic history as the most high-profile black superhero movie to date. It’s the women behind the catsuit-clad African king, however, who are the movie’s true marvels.
Walking out of the theater, I felt fulfilled as a black viewer and as a woman, which rarely happens simultaneously with mainstream movies. Black Panther is Marvel’s attempt at being “woke,” and it confronts colonialism, racism and nationalism in profound ways, while also crafting a vision of black womanhood that’s both inspiring and empowering.
One movie isn’t going to eradicate racism, or fix gender or racial issues in America, but it’s a step in the right direction. Representation in pop culture matters, and the women of Black Panther are celebrated and validated throughout the film in powerful ways.
For the full story, visit USAToday.com/Life.
