Black Panther | My Thoughts | Healthy Leaders Must Read

                         

Black Panther is a movie that every healthy leader must watch. We must also create a space to converse, debate, and critically consider themes. After watching the film 3 times, I could not resist the impulse to highlight some themes, statements, and scenarios that captured my attention.

Father and Son

If you know me well, you know I have a passion for father-son relationships. Furthermore, if you have seen Black Panther, you can assume I was quite deeply moved. Read some of my recent work on Fatherhood (click here).

Father-Son relationships carry the torch through this film for me. Consequently, my vision was blurred by tears for parts of the movie. The film highlighted the great failure and great power of the Father.

• T'challa's father affirmed him (even in the afterlife), as he emotionally knelled, telling him "Stand Up. You are a King." When your father reminds you of your greatness...
• Eric K (N'jadaka) could not cry for his father because repetitive exposure to death had dried his tear ducts and calloused his emotional landscape.
• W'Kabi, T'Challa, and E. Killmonger were all relentlessly hypnotized by avenging their father's untimely and unfair demise. Each vengeance filled decision led to violent encounters and destruction. 
• Prince N'Jobu (E. Killmonger's Father) was moved to tears when he realized the results of his decisions as a father...captured in the statement, "No tears for me." Have you ever seen your father cry? 
• Both T'Challa and E. Killmonger had to revisit the decisions of their father before taking the throne. It is a must see display of facing your past in order to conquer your future.

I don't think the world is prepared for the rawness of father-son potential and pain. This movie captures this theme in ways that will impact conversations for decades.

Africa as a land with great hidden treasures

Wakanda was a land long forsaken as a third world country. Yet, it was the bedrock of the most advanced technology, science, and medicine. It was home to the most advanced thinking. It had evolved to honoring community driven leaders. It had evolved to honoring the strength of women. It was a place so significantly ahead of the rest of the world. Yet, it was hidden.

What does this mean for the concept of Africa in the World? In my opinion, Africa as second to largest continent, is the place the world depends on to survive with advances undiscovered and unknown; with brilliance laying in disguise. We have only began to scratch the surface.

African vs Black

The core of T'Challa's and E. Killmonger's disagreement was their perspective on their story. It was Africa verses America. It was majesty versus madness. It was ethnicity verse skin color. It was "thats not my fight" verses "it's all of our fight." It was "those are not my people" verses "they are all my people." It was "we help by only helping when we must" versus "we must help right now."

This conflict exist today among people who claim slavery over African ancestry. It exist with people who march in the streets versus those who sit silent. It exist with Africans who say I am not black and Blacks that make fun of africans.

This issue is still unsettled and many people of similar hue remain divided.

Wakanda Forever - Wedded to the throne

Wakandan leadership was dictated by the one who sat on the throne and those that offered advice to the one sitting on the throne. Yet, for the general, Okoye, her commitment to the country and authority of the throne caused me to sob deeply. Witnessing the strength of commitment, the cost of loyalty, and the unwavering reality that this leads to the departure of valued relationships resonated with me.

Loyalty to the throne and country carries both political and theological implications. It cause me to ask myself where my loyalty lies. It made me wonder if I have the integrity to embody her level of commitment.

Erik Killmonger - Villian or Hero

The resume of E. Killmonger was beyond impressive. He moved through the United States system seemingly disadvantaged by family challenges, hometown, race, and other unspoken unaddressed obstacles. He excelled in each institution including MIT and Elite military processes. He was the best the United States had to offer.

Yet, the movie plot possibly portrays him as a Villain. He is coming for T'Challa to avenge his father's death, steal the thrown, and distribute weapons. The music associated with his brief reign is intense and implies controversy or destructive dominance. He burns up the healing plants. He kills Zuri and attempts to kill his cousin. He forcefully leads Wakanda into a new philosophy.

In my opinion, E. Killmonger should be celebrated. He is a well educated accomplished thriving African American hero with Wakandan Blood. It just does not get any better. Conversation to be continued...

Equipping the oppressed to overthrow their oppressor

I love the idea of overthrowing oppressive systems. I love the fact that the movie acknowledges that their are people who are suffering everyday while capable others sit silently. I love the fact that the movie communicates a message that this needs to change. How this happens is the challenge. Should we equip the oppressed? If so, how? With a Job? With Weapons? With Education? 

Eventually, T'Challa and Killmonger agree that things must change. People must be helped and supported. They agree that the world will suffer if those advance and forward-thinking voices never come to the table. There is much more to consider but this theme is worth discussion.

T'Challa Rejected Death's Invitation

King T'Challa lost the battle with his cousin E. Killmonger. He was heavily wounded and tossed off a high cliff right after he witnessed the death of his Uncle. He was found by the last person that he defeated. He was frozen to preserve the little bit of life he had left. He was then faced with a decisions (now buried in ice) to choose hanging with the ancestors or returning to a broken world with a mission to save it, along with those he loved.

This entire series of scenarios can be summarized by T'Challa's refusal to die. What a theme to carry as a leader. Refuse to die. If you have to live wounded, be tossed into deep situations, feel stuck in cold places, or even refuse the invitation of your elders, REFUSE TO DIE. 

I feel motivated to change the world.

Wakanda - Community Revitalization

King T'Challa returned to the place where his father made a mistake an chose to invest. He purchased property, renamed it, and repurposed it. This was a HUGE message about how to start changing things. It was a message about how to obtain influence in America. It was a message about how to leverage economic buying power. It was a message about the need to own property. It was a message about how to change generational stories. It was a message about how to allow your past to impact your present and inform your future; PURPOSE.

This is a message for many of us today. Claim your past and acknowledge your mistakes. Don't disregard the negativity or failure of your ancestors. Use all the knowledge, pain, and conflict to fuel your dreams. Make a difference.

Key Questions: 

What happen to E. Killmonger's Mother? She never made an appearance.
Is the CIA guy the need for a white savior in the movie or an ally to the Wakandan people?
Were you moved when the Queen screamed "Show him who you are?"
Why didn't anyone punish Prince N'Jobu for his disruptive behavior?
Where did T'Challa bury E. Killmonger?
What was E. Killmongers girlfriend apologizing for before he shot her?
Did you notice there was no nudity in the film?
Did you notice how the museum expert was wrong? #message
What did you think about having to bury the King before he got to the thrown?
What did you think when the CIA guy said "He is not Wakandan, He is one of ours? (who gets to claim him?)

Lets Talk!

I am interested to hear your thoughts about the movie.

Please share!