By Ruth Michelle Tanguep Youmbi and TJ Sweeney — Contributors

The Caribbean African Students Association (CASA) organized a movie night at the cineplex in Sherbrooke to watch Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on Nov. 11.  

The blockbuster is a masterpiece because the director, Ryan Coogler, speaks about family, grieving, moving on and being reborn. It’s a homage to Chadwick Boseman, the main character from Black Panther, who died in August 2020. Indeed, he was a pillar for the Caribbean and African communities because he received many awards including a Golden Globe and a Critics’ Choice Movie Award, and was nominated for an Academy Award.  

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is more than just another Marvel movie, it’s more than just a movie with a Black superhero, it’s a movie that represents justice for the Black community. Coogler shows on screen Black people who are not just criminals or villains. He also pictures Africa and the Caribbean as powerful entities.   

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the definition of representation. In this blockbuster, the community can see themselves on screen. This is the reason why everyone should watch it, especially in a group. For us, CASA, this movie shows that western civilization hasn’t changed much since slavery ended. It is a political piece since Wakanda, the titular African country from the movie, is a major player in the international political sphere.  

We study in a predominantly white institution (PWI) where racism is so institutionalized that people don’t realize it exists. This movie brings the community closer, despite our differences, since we are watching our heroes fighting and succeeding for our rights. We see them standing strong against the bullying of western societies. The movie lets us dream of a world where Africa and the Caribbean can rise again and be free of corruption, poverty, and every single ache left by colonization.  

CASA wants to be there for the people of color at Bishop’s University and we aim to bring their stories to BU communities.