Black McDonald’s Operators Association Treat 300 CPS Students To Black Panther
“Only YOU can decide what kind of king you want to be.” _Nakia (Black Panther, 2018)
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Black McDonald’s Operators Association and Creative Cypher host a day at the movie for 300 plus Chicago Public School students in celebration of Black History Month. The Studio Movie Grill – 210 W. 87th St., Chicago, IL 60620 played host to the two simultaneous private screening of the much anticipated Black Panther film. This was also done to promote diversity in the film industry and beyond.
The hand-selected youth-focused non-profit organizations to gather students for the screening include Donda’s House, Common Ground Foundation, Free Lunch Academy, Free Spirit Media, True Star Foundation, Chicago Scholars and more.
Select Chicago’s tastemakers took part in a unique experience Q&A on careers in entertainment. I must say it was a fabulous time!!
Photos are courtesy of BMOAChicagoland
After the film, CPS students had the opportunity to learn about careers in film and related industries from a panel of African American professionals. The moderators were Troy Pryor, Founder, Creative Cypher and Board Member, SAG-AFTRA Chicago President Charles Gardner. Panelists include:
- Chris Walker (Pictured) – Comic Illustrator and former Colorist for Marvel Comics
- Mark Willis (Pictured) – Professional Stunt Performer currently featured in “Black Panther”
- Tai Davis (Pictured) – Chicago-born Actress currently featured in “The Chi”
- Jonathan Kirkland – Vocalist and Actor currently featured in “Hamilton”
- Natasha Parker – Location Manager/ Scout – Directors Guild of America
- David Leonard – Location Manager/ Scout
- Craig Harris (Pictured) – Emmy Award-Winning Producer and Writer
The most powerful message I got from this panel is the power of you! The panels spoke about amplified creative control. Know that your voice matters. The panelists said that everyone is creative. “Even how you talk to your friends already is an experience in creativity.” Panelist Mark mentioned how happy he was that the Black Panther movie showed people of color in a positive light. “An all-black cast in a movie without any drug dealers or drug addicts.” I agree with him this movie was needed especially in times like this.
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BMOA couldn’t have picked a better film than Black Panther. Black Panther is the story of T’Challa. After the death of his father, T’Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. When a powerful enemy suddenly reappears, T’Challa’s mettle as king — and as Black Panther — gets tested when he’s drawn into a conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk. Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people.
Derrick Taylor, President, Black McDonald’s Operators Association offered thanks to everyone who came together and arranged the event. I personally want to thank Black McDonald’s Operators Association and Creative Cypher for offering CPS students and their family the opportunity to see a powerful movie that shows people that look like many of them in leadership roles.
WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE CHARACTER FROM BLACK PANTHER?
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CLICK HERE FOR THINGS TO DO IN CHICAGO DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
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