On Friday, February 16, 2018, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., along with The Shadow League, co-hosted a screening of Marvel Studios’ "Black Panther," for volunteers from the Bronx Youth Corps and Bronx Fathers Taking Action group.
"This is a grand gesture by TheShadowLeague.com and we appreciate their thoughtfulness and we are very appreciative they made this screening happen," saidBronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. "It is not coincidence that 'Black Panther' came out during Black History Month. This movie shows Hollywood that they do not have to be handcuffed by recycled stereotypes, that there are positive stories that can be told about the African-Americans experience and the African diaspora. While Black Panther and Wakanda are fictional, the movie celebrates where we came from, acknowledging the struggles we face and the importance of working together to keep on pushing towards a better future."
"Black Panther" is based off of the comic book series created by the iconic Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, in 1966. The movie has far exceeded box office expectations, raking in $704 million worldwide, and is already the fifth-highest grossing Marvel Comic Universe (MCU) film ever. "Black Panther" debuted in over 4,020 North American locations, shattering the previous Presidents Day weekend record of $152 million, set in 2016 by "Deadpool." Globally, "Black Panther" also had a "cross-nation release" in Africa, a first for any Disney film.
Launched in 2012, by media veteran Keith Clinkscales, The Shadow League was the first multi-media company dedicated to sports and pop culture journalism fueled by a distinct cultural perspective.
"We were thrilled to work with the Bronx Borough President's Office to bring Wakanda to the Bronx," Yussuf Khan, GM/SVP of The Shadow League. "Having the opportunity to interact with members of the Bronx Fathers Initiative, Bronx Youth Corps and their families and see their reactions to 'Black Panther' was amazing and we are honored to have made the experience a reality."
