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Black Panther Movie Primer: Kevin E. Ross Gives You the 411

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(Movie Poster)
(Movie Poster)

The countdown has begun to one of the most anticipated superhero films in movie history. Marvel’s Black Panther hits theaters Friday, February 16, 2018. This game changing history making film is breaking advance ticket sales records and showcases pretty much an all-black everything. This movie is blackity-black and folks are loving it. In case you thought this major movie event couldn’t get any better, check out this cheat sheet or primer if you will pulled together by Kevin E. Ross, Chief Brand Manager (and all-around badass) for Twoguard Media Group. Some folks were confusing the Black Panther Party with the Marvel superhero film, so Ross decided enough was enough and to pull together a short guide so we won’t be out here looking and sounding all crazy. 

As you pull together your cosplay gear in preparation for your slow and steady strut into movie history Thursday night if you’re lucky and Friday thereafter, make sure you check out Kevin’s primer of Black Panther – the movie and comic. It’s short, sweet and like T’Challa, packs a powerful punch. See you at the movies. – Nsenga 

THE PRIMER

So why is Marvel’s “Black Panther” really such an important film?

* As of today, the movie has pre-sold more tickets than any other superhero film in history.

* It currently carries a critics rating of 95% positive, which is almost unheard of.

* It is also the first big-budget superhero film to feature black heroes (Chadwick Boseman, Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong’o), black villains (Michael B. Jordan, Winston Duke), a black filmmaker (Coogler also gave us the brilliant film “Fruitvale Station” and the electrifying “Creed”) black screenwriters (Coogler and Joe Robert Cole, of American Crime Story), a black executive producer (Captain America: Civil War‘s Nate Moore) and an overwhelmingly black supporting cast and crew.

* 90% of advance ticket buyers, regardless of race, said they are looking forward to a “different kind of superhero film” and to the movies “positive imagery and messages” (source: Fandango)

I’ve had recent conversations with a number of people who, though willing and excited to support the movie, really don’t have much idea about it aside from the pre-release hype and information.

So, being that I am a Black Panther and comic book fan (cool nerd), here is an abbreviated cheat sheet for those who may need it:

1) The Black Panther (real name:T’Challa) is the first mainstream black superhero ever. He was created by Marvel Comics and the team of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the same two responsible for heroes like Thor, the Fantastic Four, and Captain America.

2) Created in 1966 during the turbulent Civil Rights era, he is the first black superhero not created as a “token”, a dependent, or a sidekick. This was considered extremely controversial for the time period. He predates Captain America’s Falcon (1969) and Luke Cage (1971). He also preceded the revolutionary activist group the Black Panther Party by 3 months (he was introduced in July of 1966, and the Black Panther Party in October of 1966. They were not connected)

3) T’challa ( his real name), is also the ruler of a fictional African kingdom called Wakanda (population 6,000,000). Wakanda is considered one of the wealthiest nations on Earth as well as one of the most technologically advanced. Imagine if Disney World’s Tomorrowland and the Rainforest Cafe merged.

4) Wakanda’s wealth is the result of a meteorite that crashed on to the continent 10,000 years ago. Composed of a rare alien material called Vibranium, the metal is sought by many in the world for its scientific applications and its military capabilities. Vibranium is only available in Wakanda, thus the country keeps itself closed and shielded from the outside world. Vibranium basically absorbs any energy directed towards it and holds it like a sponge. Imagine buildings that wouldn’t crumble under the force of an earthquake, or soldiers protected against explosions from grenades and other explosive devices. Wakanda does export other commodities such as coal, diamonds, and technology, which contributes to its worth.

5) Wakanda has tons of Vibranium in underground storage. One gram of Vibranium is worth $10,000. That means Captain America’s 12-pound shield, which is composed of the material, is worth just over $54 million dollars.

6) Being the monarch of the world’s richest nation also makes you rich. T’Challa’s net worth is $90.7 trillion dollars, which makes him richer than Batman‘s Bruce Wayne (9.2 billion) or fellow Marvel running mate Tony “Iron Man” Stark (12.4 billion). By a lot.

7) In the comics, the Black Panther is also one of the most well-respected men in the world. He is a combination of nobility (Thor), patriotism (Captain America), and superior intellect (Iron Man). He is also an Oxford graduate with a PhD in physics and considered one of the top 15 minds on the planet.

8) The Black Panther is more than the special costume he wears. He is also a world-class athlete who was trained in martial arts, judo, wrestling (a popular Wakandan sport), and all forms of hand-to-hand combat. He also has enhanced healing properties, strength, speed, agility, and tracking senses. This is the result of ingesting a special heart-shaped herb that grows only around the site of the crashed Vibranium meteorite. The radiation from the meteorite produces the plant which, once ingested, gives the recipient the aforementioned special abilities. Only those in the royal hierarchy and heirs to the panther mantle are eligible to use it. This means that the Black Panther has absolutely no problem going toe-to-toe with Captain America, who is considered the world’s best hand-to-hand combatant and fighter.

9) Steeped deep in African tradition, Wakandans worship Bast, a female deity known also as the Panther God. The symbolic mythology here is also directly connected to ancient Egypt. She is revered as a protector and defender of the nation. This makes the Black Panther her agent outside of the spirit realm, and thus more than a hero, but a true mythical figure. Imagine if the Pope wore a costume, had superhuman abilities, and defended the Vatican from its enemies both foreign and domestic.

10) Because of Bast, Wakandan women are highly respected. The king’s personal guard, the Dora Milaje, are an elite female fighting force. T’Challa’s younger sister Shuri is a genius level intellect and considered one of the smartest women on the planet. Not only did she invent the Black Panther’s technologically-advanced suit, but also other inventions to help further her country’s technological dominance. While Tony Stark, who is considered one of the smartest men on the planet, graduated from MIT at age 17, he did not invent the Iron Man suit until age 42. By contrast, Shuri is only 16-years-old.

11) In the comic books, the Black Panther was briefly married to Storm of the X-Men (remember Halle Berry?). Storm was from Wakanda’s African neighbor Kenya.

Enjoy, and see you on February 16th 

Follow Kevin E. Ross on Instagram: @krosschicago @twoguardmediagroup
Facebook: Twoguard Media- Music, Business, & Brand Marketing…….#BlackPanther #BlackPantherIslit #Wakandaforever#Marvel #BlackHistoryMonth

This post was curated by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow her on Twitter @Ntellectual or @TheBurtonWire. 

South Africa: Jacob Zuma Resigns from Presidency

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TheBurtonWire
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South African President Jacob Zuma has been ordered by the constitutional court to reimburse the state $16 million. (Photo: Google Images)
(Photo: Google Images)

BBC Africa is reporting South Africa’s president Jacob Zuma has resigned. Zuma has battled corruption charges since before assuming the presidency in 2009. In 2016, Zuma was ordered by South Africa’s constitutional court to reimburse the state $16 million spent upgrading his private home. The home of Zuma’s close friends Atul Gupta was raided by South African police Wednesday. Gupta, who is worth 10.7 billion rand ($773 million) is the seventh richest South African and the richest South African of color. Gupta who came to South Africa in 1993, made his fortune along with his brothers Ajay and Rajesh with a string of companies in mining, media and technology.  Gupta has been accused of using his political connections to Zuma to fuel his success.

Under pressure from his party (African National Congress), Zuma resigned rather than face a vote of no-confidence. Zuma has been a controversial figure for decades yet managed to stay in the good graces of former President Nelson Mandela. Today, the Mandela Foundation called for Zuma to step down  “because he has demonstrated that he is not fit to govern.”

Read more on BBC.

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Lerone Bennett Jr.: Legendary Journalist Dies

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Ebony Magazine, Vol. 48, No. 2.

Journalist. Scholar. Game changer. The media world is reeling over the loss of legendary journalist and biographer Lerone Bennett, Jr. Bennett is known as a definitive chronicler of black life and events through his work for iconic publications like Ebony Magazine, where he served as Executive Editor. The Morehouse graduate also served as editor of Jet Magazine. Many remembered the media giant on social media.


Bennett authored the book Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America. He was 89.

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Jacquie Jones: Black Film and Media Champion Dies

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Black media champion Jacquie Jones dies at 52. (Photo: Black Public Media)
Black media champion Jacquie Jones dies at 52.
(Photo: Black Public Media)

The Burton Wire is sad to report Peabody Award-winning director and longtime former executive director of National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC)—now Black Public Media—has died. Her death was announced by Black Public Media (BPM), which Jones headed from 2005 to 2014. She died after a brief hospitalization in Washington, DC., at the age of 52.

“Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are. In the field, Jacquie was our fiercest advocate, encouraging all of us—media makers, administrators, leaders—to take risks, and to fully explore what public media can be for a diverse America,” said Leslie Fields-Cruz, executive director of BPM, the nation’s only nonprofit organization dedicated solely to media content about the Black experience. “She demanded so much more than just the status quo, and lead by example. She will be sorely missed, but her legacy and impact at Black Public Media, on public media and to me personally will resonate for many years to come. Our sincere condolences go out to her family.”

A champion of Black film and Black content-producers, Jones dedicated her life to creating a sacred and respected space for black voices and culture, first as an editor of the Black Film Review and later as a producer, content creator and visionary leader at BPM. As executive director of the media arts organization, Jones expanded the focus of the nonprofit from public television to include digital media and she founded the New Media Institute that went on to train more than 500 media professionals in the tools needed to navigate the digital world. Under her leadership, the organization launched the Public Media Corps to link underserved communities with both broadband-enabled public media resources and social media tools. She also helped launch the group’s signature public television series AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange.

Jones was a talented director, receiving Peabody and Gracie awards for the 2013 NBPC documentary series, 180 Days: A Year Inside An American High School. Her other television credits included Africans in America­—which also won a Peabody Award—and Matters of Race for PBS, From Behind Closed Doors: Sex in the 20th Century for Showtime and The World Before Us for the History Channel.

“Jacquie was a believer and effective champion for independent media and human rights. She was also funny, feisty, razor-sharp smart and the most strong-willed, determined person I know.” said organization Founder Mable Haddock. “BPM and everyone who came into contact with her suffered a great loss today. But we are comforted by the evidence of her love and life well lived every breath we take.”

“Jacquie was a friend and mentor to me and so many in public media,” stated BPM Director of Programs and Acquisitions Kay Shaw. “She inspired emerging and experienced content makers alike with her talent and intellect, and led as she lived—with grace and purpose.” The Howard University alumna is survived by her husband Grant Clark, daughter Ayanna, parents Claire A. Jones (D.C) and Humphrey C. Jones (Miami) and a brother.

Read Jones’ obituary at the Washington Post. For more information about Black Public Media, visit www.blackpublicmedia.org. Follow Black Public Media on Twitter @BLKPublicMedia.

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Cape Town: ‘Mother City’ Prepares to Be Without Water

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(Google Images)
(Google Images)

The Guardian is reporting Cape Town’s leadership is preparing to be without water in what has become a losing battle against climate change. The city known as “The Mother City” and famous for it’s harbor and iconic Table Top mountain, is experiencing a drought unlike any other in the city’s recent history. Droughts like this are expected every 384 years but because climate change is happening so quickly, the drought has come much earlier. Cape Town has been suffering through a drought for the last three years which shows no signs of letting up. The Guardian reports:

“The head of Cape Town’s disaster operations centre is drawing up a plan he hopes he never has to implement as this South African city on the frontline of climate change prepares to be the first in the world to turn off the water taps.

‘We’ve identified four risks: water shortages, sanitation failures, disease outbreaks and anarchy due to competition for scarce resources,’ says Greg Pillay. ‘We had to go back to the drawing board. We were prepared for disruption of supply, but not a no-water scenario. In my 40 years in emergency services, this is the biggest crisis.’

The plan – being drawn up with the emergency services, the military, epidemiologists and other health experts – is geared towards Day Zero, the apocalyptically named point when water in the six-dam reservoir system falls to 13.5% of capacity.

At this critical level – currently forecast for 16 April – piped supply will be deemed to have failed and the city will dispatch teams of engineers to close the valves to about a million homes – 75% of the city.

‘It’s going to be terrifying for many people when they turn on the tap and nothing comes out,’ says Christine Colvin, freshwater manager for WWF and a member of the mayor’s advisory board.”

If Cape Town runs out of water, city officials will distribute bottled water at distribution points. They will not charge for the water which means billions in Rand will be lost.

“The total city budget is R40bn, so this won’t destroy us, but it will cause severe discomfort,” says the deputy mayor, Ian Neilson, who adds that he has not had a bath at home for a year. “A bigger concern is to ensure the economy doesn’t collapse. We need to keep business and jobs going … Clearly, there could be a severe impact. It depends on how long it continues.”

Read more on The Guardian.

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Music Legend Dennis Edwards Dies

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Dennis Edwards (Google Images)

Grammy award-winning music legend Dennis Edwards of The Temptations has died. Edwards joined The Temptations in 1968 after the departure of group founder David Ruffin. He was the featured vocalist on hits like “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” “Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World is Today)” and “Cloud Nine.” In 1968, the Temptations won their first Grammy for “Cloud Nine,” and won again in 1971 for “Papa was a Rolling Stone” Edwards remained a member of the group through the late 1970s.

In 1984 Edwards released the hit song, “Don’t Look Any Further” with international recording star Siedah Garrett. The song with the funky bass line by Paul Jackson, Jr. is one of the most sampled songs in Hip-Hop.

The song was sampled by rap legends Eric B. and Rakim, The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur  and Lil’ Wayne to name a few.

“Don’t Look Any Further” has also been featured prominently in television shows like “The X-Files”, “Everybody Hates Chris” and “How to Make it in America.” The 1984 music video for the song, which reflects early 1980s music video aesthetics, has become a cult classic in pop culture.

In the 1990s, Edwards formed a splinter act that eventually toured as The Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards. In 2013, the Grammys awarded The Temptations with a lifetime achievement award. In 1989, The Temptations were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Born in 1943 in Fairfield, Alabama and raised in Detroit, Edwards was famously married to Ruth Pointer in 1977 of the Pointer Sisters with whom he shares one daughter, Issa. He is survived by his wife Brenda, five daughters, one son and grandchildren. Edwards died at 74 in a Chicago hospital, one day before his 75th birthday. Rest in power.

This post was written and curated by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of the award-winning news blog The Burton Wire. Follow her on Twitter @Ntellectual.

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Oscar 2018: Mudbound and Get Out Nominated

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Daniel Kaluuya of Get Out and Mary J. Blige of Mudbound received 2018 Oscar nominations. (Photos: Promotional)
Photo: Promotional Image

The Twitterverse is celebrating the 2018 Oscar nominations of Dee Rees’ Mudbound and Jordan Peele’s Get Out announced today. Jordan Peele earned a best director nomination for his social-justice thriller “Get Out,” becoming the fifth African-American director nominated in this category in the history of the awards. Lead actor Daniel Kaluuya was nominated for Best Actor. Guillermo Del Toro for “The Shape of Water”, Christopher Nolan for “Dunkirk,” Paul Thomas Anderson for “Phantom Thread,” and Greta Gerwig for “Lady Bird.” Gerwig is also the fifth woman to be nominated for a best directing Oscar in the history of the awards. Academy award-winning actor Denzel Washington was also nominated in the Best Actor category for his portrayal of Roman J. Israel, Esq.

Get Out promotional photo.

Dee Rees’ Mudbound also earned multiple nominations. The film was nominated for Best Cinematography (Rachel Morrison), Best Adapted Screenplay (Rees and Virgil Williams) and Queen of Hip-Hop/actor Mary J. Blige received a Best Supporting Actress nod for her role as Florence in the film. Mudbound is a screen adaptation of Hillary Jordan’s 2008 novel of the same name following the experiences of two WWII veterans, one white, one black, returning home to Mississippi. Mary J. Blige was also nominated for best original song for “Mighty River,” making her the first person ever to be nominated for an acting performance and an original song in a single year. Grammy award-winning musician Raphael Saadiq received his first Academy Award nomination for co-writing “Mighty River” with Blige.

Breakout “Girls Trip” star Tiffany Haddish announced the nominees with Andy Serkis and Academy President John Bailey in addition to some previous Oscar winners.

See all of the nominations at CNN.com.

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Hugh Masekela: ‘Father of South African Jazz’ Dies

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South African Jazz legend Hugh Masekela dies at 78. (Photo: The Guardian)
South African Jazz legend Hugh Masekela dies at 78.
(Photo: The Guardian)

Multiple media outlets are reporting Hugh Masekela, the man known as the “Father of South African Jazz,” has died. Masekela played many instruments but was best known as a trumpeter, singer and composer. Masekela played a major role in the anti-Apartheid movement as an activist, penning iconic songs like “Soweto Blues,” and “Bring Him Back Home,” about anti-Apartheid activist, political prisoner and South African President Nelson Mandela. The song became a national anthem for the anti-Apartheid movement.

Masekela died after a long battle with cancer. His legacy includes global activism against oppression and promotion and support of the Arts for social change. His family released a statement:

“It is with profound sorrow that the family of Ramapolo Hugh Masekela announce his passing. After a protracted and courageous battle with prostate cancer, he passed peacefully in Johannesburg, South Africa, surrounded by his family.

A loving father, brother, grandfather and friend, our hearts beat with profound loss.Hugh’s global and activist contribution to and participation in the areas of music, theatre, and the arts in general is contained in the minds and memory of millions across 6 continents and we are blessed and grateful to be part of a life and ever-expanding legacy of love, sharing and vanguard creativity that spans the time and space of 6 decaded. Rest in power beloved, you are forever in our hearts.”

Hugh Masekela was 78. Rest in power.

This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow her on Twitter @Ntellectual.

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CHAN 2018: African Nations Championship Tourney Underway

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TheBurtonWire
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The 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco is underway. The fifth tournament of the biennial sports event that features the men’s national teams of Africa kicked off on January 13 and is rolling along.

The Confederation of African football launched the tournament in 2009 in the Ivory Coast. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) won the inaugural championship and the 2017 tournament. Unfortunately, DRC did not qualify for the championship this time around and neither did Mali, whom they defeated. Therefore, the top prize is up for grabs. The championship match will be played on February 4.

Current standings as of TBW press time. Please note all times are Mountain Time (Google)

Today, Nigeria beat Libya and Rwanda beat Equitorial Guinea 1-0. Angola eliminated Cameroon from the tournament. Namibia and Zambia clinched places in the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco from Group B.

Nigeria and Angola prevailed over Libya and Cameroon day two of CHAN 2018. (Photos: Google)

For live updates, check out Soccer 24. Watch the tournament live on Facebook, here.

This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow her on Twitter @Ntellectual.

Follow The Burton Wire on Twitter or Instagram @TheBurtonWire.

Tipping: ATTN Discloses Racist History Behind the Practice

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TheBurtonWire
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Screen shot of ATTN's video on Tipping's racist past. (Twitter)
Screen shot of ATTN’s video on Tipping’s racist past. (Twitter)

ATTN released a video on the racist history of tipping on its social media platforms that has online audiences buzzing. Surprise, no surprise, tipping is tied to slavery. It seems that every questionable practice in the U.S. leads right back to slavery. Check out the video below:

 

Follow ATTN (pronounced attention) on Twitter @ATTN.

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