Send a kid to Black Panther!

Representation is important. The movie Black Panther's trailer reminded me of this as I'd wished the film had been out when I was a kid, noted in a conversation with an equally awed also black male friend. There just weren't many examples of blacks in "nerd" contexts. Unfortunately even now that hasn't changed much, making Black Panther far more important than being just the next installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Thus the seed was planted to organize a screening of Black Panther for Seattle-area kids from backgrounds underrepresented in STEM (science technology engineering math) careers.

I've partnered with iUrbanTeen to host a private opening weekend screening at Ark Lodge Cinemas in Columbia City on 2/18. We'll have their 100 person theater all to ourselves. Prior to the screening we'll be hosting a panel discussion at Rainier Arts Center with a number of STEM career professionals. They'll be sharing their stories, giving advice, and otherwise being living examples of people that made it happen...while looking like the teens in the audience.

I'm raising funds to pay for the theater ($900), concession snacks ($400), and rental of Rainier Arts Center ($700). Any excess funds will be donated to iUrbanTeen.

So be a hero and help send a teen to see Black Panther! Any and all support is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Learn More: 
iUrbanTeen
Ark Lodge Cinemas
Rainier Arts Center

A history of Black Panther

Ta-Nehisi Coates on writing the Black Panther comic