Walker Institute celebrates diversity in comics with month of Marvel-focused programming
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—"Wakanda Forever," the much-anticipated sequel to the "Black Panther" movie, is slated to hit theaters everywhere Friday, Nov. 11, introducing a new hero who will don the vibranium suit. Western Michigan University's Lewis Walker Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnic Relations is offering a chance to find out who the new protector of Wakanda is a day early.
In partnership with the Black Arts and Cultural Center (BACC), the Walker Institute has reserved three theaters at Celebration Cinema Crossroads for a premiere red-carpet event on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. Tickets, which cost $30, include admission as well as popcorn, drinks and a red-carpet photo. Proceeds support Walker Institute student gap-funding initiatives and future BACC events.
"I'm so excited!" says Dr. Luchara Wallace, director of the Walker Institute. A self-described Marvel fan, she says this event is about more than entertainment and fanfare; it's an opportunity to engage the community in a wider discussion.
"We want to make sure there's an academic and educational component. It's not, ‘Let's just go see a fun movie.’ How do we use the principles and what's being learned and seen and experienced in this movie and really translate that into some other areas?" she says.
The Walker Institute is facilitating a number of events throughout the month surrounding the release of "Wakanda Forever," including:
Inspiring Radical Creativity: Conversation with Gabby Rivera
Thursday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m., Bernhard Center South Ballroom
Rivera is the creator of Marvel's first LGBTQ Latinx superhero, America Chavez. She wrote the groundbreaking comic book "America'' and will speak to the audience about having the courage to create, daydream and tell their own stories. The event is co-sponsored by BACC, WMUx and the Office of LBGT Student Services.
Making of Black comics youth workshop with comic creator Kenjji
Friday, Nov. 4, 5:30-7 p.m., Black Arts Cultural Center
Award-winning illustrator and comic book creator Kenjji will teach kids how comic book characters and storylines are created. The workshop is co-sponsored by BACC.
Using Pop Culture to Engage Students: Christopher "Mav" Maverick
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 6-7:15 p.m., Webex
Maverick, a teaching assistant professor at University of Pittsburgh, will join a panel of Western faculty and community partners to offer insights into increasing student engagement through the use of popular culture examples, such as "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," in the classroom. The event is sponsored by BACC and WMUx.
"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" First Friday Lunch and Learn student conversation
Friday, Dec. 2, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Multicultural Center, Adrian Trimpe Building
Bring lunch and talk with Western community members about the movie's historical value, current and potential future impacts, your thoughts on the plot and more.
In addition to events, doctoral graduate research assistant Denisha Griffey, coordinator of the Walker Institute's WIRE Youth Development Programs, is weaving "Black Panther" and the Marvel universe into the Saturday Academy, which teaches math and science skills to Kalamazoo-area elementary and middle school students.
"I love the Marvel movies, and the connection I have with them is definitely driven by my love of science," she says. "It gives me the chance to re-watch the movies and delve more into the comics in order to find those elements to create those connections that will excite the kids."
Griffey's lesson plans include a word search, math games and science experiments focused on chemistry, engineering and geology. One project involves growing "vibranium," the metal that gives Black Panther' his strength, in the form of growing crystals and discussing the science behind it. Students have also built magnetic levitation (Maglev) cars and raced them, demonstrating technology that is used to transport vibranium through Wakanda in the movie—the same technology that is currently used in trains in China and Japan.
"The goal is to engage the students in real-world situations," she says. "We also will discuss influential minorities in STEM, which shows them that people from all backgrounds play a hand in developing technology."
Students will present what they have learned throughout the program to their parents and the community at the end of the semester.
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