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Published on February 26, 2018

1 min read

Disney Donates $1 Million to Open STEM Centers in Honor of Black Panther Success

In celebration of Black Panther’s overwhelming box office success, The Walt Disney Company is donating $1 million to help develop the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs.

BGCA will use the funds to grow its national curriculum and expand its outreach by building 12 new STEM Centers of Innovation around the country, including in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Harlem, Hartford, Memphis, New Orleans, Oakland, Orlando, Philadelphia, Washington, and Watts.

Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger said in a statement, “Marvel Studios’ Black Panther is a masterpiece of movie making and has become an instant cultural phenomenon, sparking discussion, inspiring people young and old, and breaking down age-old industry myths.”

“It is thrilling to see how inspired young audiences were by the spectacular technology in [Black Panther], “so it’s fitting that we show our appreciation by helping advance STEM programs for youth, especially in underserved areas of the country, to give them the knowledge and tools to build the future they want.”

BGCA’s Centers of Innovation offer a variety of hands-on experiences for youth interested in learning about advanced technologies, including 3D printing, robotics, and video production.

The record-breaking film has earned $400 million in North America so far.

Published on February 21, 2018November 13, 2022

2 mins read

‘Black Panther’ Director Ryan Coogler Writes Heartfelt Letter of Gratitude to Fans

On Tuesday, Marvel tweeted a letter written by ‘Black Panther’ Director, Ryan Coogler. In it, Coogler expressed how grateful he is for the reception that the record-breaking movie has received.

“Black Panther” has broken box office records, reeling in $242 million domestically and $427 million worldwide during its opening weekend.

ryan coogler

Check the letter out below:

I am struggling to find the words to express my gratitude at this moment, but I will try.

Filmmaking is a team sport. And our team was made up [of] amazing people from all over the world who believed in this story. Deep down we all hoped that people would come to see a film about a fictional country on the continent of Africa, made up of a cast of people of African descent.

Never in a million years did we imagine that you all would come out this strong. It still humbles me to think that people care enough to spend their money and time watching our film- But to see people of all backgrounds wearing clothing that celebrates their heritage, taking pictures next to our posters with their friends and family, and sometimes dancing in the lobbies of theaters– often moved me and my wife to tears.

For the people who bought out theaters, who posted on social about how lit the film would be, bragged about our awesome cast, picked out outfits to wear, and who stood in line in theaters all over the world– all before seeing the film…

To the press who wrote about the film for folks who hadn’t yet seen it, and encouraged audiences to come out…

And to the young ones, who came out with their parents, with their mentors, and with their friends…

Thank you for giving our team of filmmakers the greatest gift: The opportunity to share this film, that we poured our hearts and souls into, with you.

Sincerely,

Ryan Coogler

P.S. Wakanda Forever