Representation matters which is why Black Panther is a cultural phenomenon. Black love, Black unity, Black culture, Black intelligence, and Black power were all on full display.
I am not a comic book or superhero movie fan, but loved the first Black Panther movie for many reasons – and I listed 18 of them in the blog post, “18 Reasons I Loved the Black Panther Movie“. After the surprising and untimely death of Chadwick Boseman, I was curious about and committed to the sequel.
Determined to see it during the opening weekend, I made my way to the movie theater today for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Was I disappointed? No
Was I wowed? No.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is just a different movie. I can’t really compare them because the movies are different – the second movie is not bad, just different – yet still deserving of the hype. I highly recommend it.
First, let me say that I was so proud of how Chadwick Boseman was honored in the movie. It was a magnificent and loving tribute.
Second, the imagery is beautiful. I found myself watching some parts and just thinking this is beautiful. I have always had Africa on my travel list and the beauty and culture of Wakanda heightened my desire. (Yes, I know that Wakanda is a fictional country.)
One of my favorite lines from Black Panther is “show them who you are”. And we heard those words again from Queen Ramonda in the sequel. (I am intentionally not giving away the movie plot.) although there are so many life lessons in movies, let’s sit with this statement for a moment.
“Show Them Who You Are”
Fear has held many great women of color back from excelling in their careers. Imposter syndrome seems to be rampant, but at the end of the day, it can be boiled down to a serious identity crisis. What if you decided today to step fully into your identity? Do you need to show yourself who you are? Are you clear on your goals and dreams and confident in your talents and skills? (Remember that clarity is step one in my Strategic Career Management framework.)
What would it look like to “show them who you are”? Not for applause or acceptance, but to liberate your power, brilliance, and authenticity.
Get clear! Dedicate time to get to know yourself (better) today so that you can step boldly into your destiny. You are worth the hype!
Nicki Sanders, MSW, ushers high-performing women of color in mid-level social work and human services leadership through promotion to senior leadership. As Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, her mission is simple – to eliminate toxic workplaces by developing skilled, empathetic, and goal-oriented leaders who have the vision, support, and resources to create a culture where business prospers, and employees thrive individually and collectively. Nicki has an extensive background in nonprofit management leading high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams. She is an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life and career aligned with her values and purpose. Nicki is a lover of cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
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