“They are Kings because of the Queens"
This quote is powerful and, in my opinion, unapologetically honest. It made me think of myself as a woman, and of all women. I loved and was moved by the highly anticipated blockbuster movie Black Panther. My love for this masterpiece goes beyond the mere surface of being a Marvel superhero from the great land of Wakanda. While those facts excited me, it was the power that exuded right off the screen from the women in the movie. They were a reflection of our fierceness, prowess, and pure excellence as women.
Women are significant in this world whether we are in the role of mother, sister, career woman or friend. The list can go on and on… Sometimes we get lost on our life journey forgetting our rich history and legacy of fierceness. We are multifaceted beings with true purpose. When I look at my own tribe of queens I am fascinated by the characteristics each one of those women embody. I have witnessed firsthand their strength, resilience, loyalty, boldness and love.
The movie Black Panther engrossed me on every level of feminism. LOL. We have as a modern culture become socially conscious about women’s rights and equality. For years we have proclaimed efforts of living in "a man's world". But, the truth is the world cannot exist without the compliments of women. Our roles define a society just as importantly as a man’s. The role of the man in the movie Black Panther is of the rise of a King named T'Challa to the nation of Wakanda. This is a dynamic role for this man. But, for him to be successful he was surrounded by fierce women to support in his journey.
Looking at each female character in the movie, I thought of the importance of women in our day to day culture and society.
Motherhood
Angela Bassett plays the role of Queen Ramonda, King T'Challa's mother. She helps refine her son's position of becoming a leader to the people of Wakanda. There were many moments when he felt defeated and very uncertain of his capabilities yet she stood by his side. She continuously affirmed and motivated her son into his “kinghood”.Her unwavering love for her son is true about many women who do this same act daily. Women are mothers in their own right. From the moment we give birth we are the creators and cultivators of our society. We breed new life into the world. Our love for our sons and daughters help to influence and empower them to become leaders of this world.
Sisterhood
Shuri, the character played by Letitia Wright is one of my favorites of the movie. Shuri is the charismatic and highly intelligent sister of King T'Challa. Wakanda flourishes because of a metal called vibranium. Shuri uses her technological and STEM focused genius to not only create gadgets and suits for her brother, but also create systems and resources for Wakanda to become a highly functioning nation. I was fully inspired by her character as an educator, it showcased the brilliance of our young girls. The character Shuri was relatable, it showed the side of sibling rivalry where a sister can have her own mind but also express the love and loyalty one sibling would have for another. Her character promoted that being smart was beautiful and intriguing.
Significant others
Nakia, played by the infamous Lupita Nyong'o is King T'Challa's love interest. What I loved about the dynamics of their relationship is that it touched on the theme of falling in love. Women usually let their own dreams and aspirations take a back seat to allow the man in their life to become successful. Nakia was asked many times by the king to be his queen. She stood firm on her ground and expressed that her destiny to fight for the oppressed is far greater than that of becoming ones queen. She showed ambition and individuality. She was not afraid to stand in her own truth. For most women today we also find ourselves trying to strike a balance in being driven as opposed to settling down and living out the status quo.
Protector
Okoye, who leads the Dora Milaje an all female warrior squad, is played by Danai Gurira. Okoye also had to deal with the dilemma of love versus her loyalty to the king and to Wakanda. Okoye was a protector of her people. She held true to her beliefs and when she had to choose between her heart and her integrity she choose her integrity. As women we are constantly fighting the battle as to how to do what is right. What was fascinating about Okoye's character was her role as protector of King T'Chala. She maintained and ensured his safety. Most people watching the movie may have been surprised by this role, but women are natural protectors. We are mothers who watch over our sleeping babies at night, we are warriors for our families, we will protect those we love daily even at the expense of our own safety.
Lastly, all the women in this movie were authentic to who they are. They were comfortable in their own skin. They looked within themselves for their beauty. They were ok with their bald heads and their cultural garb.
I want all women to understand, they are naturally queens!
This not a cliche!
They were all once princesses that grew into their queendom. Men are amazing counterparts. But we need to understand the leading and supporting roles which they both encompass.
