It was on this day, 3 years ago, that I and millions more took a journey to Wakanda. It’s a bittersweet celebration since we lost king Chadwick last fall, but the impact, talent, and majesty he brought to Black Panther will remain unmatched. 

Introduced in Civil War as prince of Wakanda, T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) was soon crowned king after the tragic loss of his father and king, T’Chaka. Rooted in African culture, Black Panther changed the game for superhero movies, representation, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Black Panther, for many, ignited a fire in our creative drive and the camaraderie amongst Black people. There should have been a fashion week solely dedicated to Black Panther fans’ designs and looks across the country!

T’Challa/Black Panther is the most inspiring superhero in the Marvel universe. His actions denote a man who understands and takes full responsibility for the burden and privilege that comes with being a king of a nation and a protector of the world.

In addition, the importance of the inclusion, representation, and celebration of Black women, often not seen in many social circumstances, was immense. Black women are often pushed into the beauty shadow of our white counterparts while our style is simultaneously appropriated. I for one was exponentially happy to see Black Panther’s representation and success in my adulthood, which I didn’t always see growing up. It wasn’t until I was 22 that a Black Disney Princess was created. Watching Black Panther made me feel like a kid again, but it also empowered me as a Black woman watching other strong women on screen, who look like me, embodying excellence and strength in their purest forms.

To fans, Wakanda wasn’t just the fictional African nation in the comics housing vibranium and technology far beyond our years; Wakanda is a vision of what could have been if colonizers had left our ancestors alone to thrive. Wakanda is what could be, and it is the rich utopia Blacks long for in a time and country where we still have to fight for our right to protest not being killed over the color of our skin, while the content of our character is overlooked.

So to all of you I say, “Wakanda Forever!” What are you doing today to celebrate?

**Featured image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Panther_(film)#/media/File:Black_Panther_(film)_poster.jpg