Black Leadership Awareness and Culture Club (BLACC) and Latinx and Hispanic Student Organization (LAHSO) co-hosted a screening of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” at Regal Sherman Oaks on Dec. 4.

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is a sequel to “Black Panther,” in which Wakanda grieves over the loss of their king T’Challa while facing a new underwater empire called Talokan.

After the event, participants stayed for a 45-minute Q&A with History Teacher and Latin American Studies Teacher Ingrid Sierakowski and actress Angela Bassett (Bronwyn ’24, Slater ’24), who plays Romonda in the film.

LAHSO leader Sophia Rascoff ’23 said the panel after the film provided an opportunity for an engaging discussion.

“The discussion afterwards allowed viewers to consider the movie more thoughtfully, bringing great conversation and answering thought-provoking questions,” Rascoff said. “I’m so glad we had the opportunity to participate, and I hope everyone enjoyed.”

BLACC leader Jenaya Chambers ’23 said the event stressed the importance of accurate representation in movies and media.

“A significant takeaway from this movie and Q&A session is the importance of diversity in mainstream media,” Chambers said. “To see your culture represented on screen and especially in empowering roles is encouraging. It also positively affects our own sense of self as we navigate society as members of marginalized and underrepresented groups. My favorite part about events like these being hosted is seeing people from all over the community come together and participate, hearing the thoughts and stories of people from a variety of different ages and backgrounds.”

Dean and LAHSO advisor Celso Cárdenas said he appreciated the representation the movie provided for Latino communities.

“Within the Latin American community, the representation of afro and indigenous communities is almost invisible,” Cárdenas said. “I was so moved to see this representation on screen in a big blockbuster film that is a part of such a popular franchise. More important was the research that went behind the depiction to ensure that it was done with great respect and great care.”

Cárdenas said the screening was a great way for LAHSO and BLACC to work together and celebrate intersections between their affinity groups.

“Interestingly enough, at the beginning of the year, the DEI office sponsored an affinity group training for leaders and faculty advisors,” Cárdenas said. “One of the big takeaways that resonated from this training was that the affinity groups wanted to find ways to collaborate more with one another. ‘Wakanda Forever’ provided the perfect opportunity for this between BLACC and LAHSO.”