Black Panther is headed for the billion-dollar mark, and Disney is giving back. The giant entertainment sector announced plans to donate $1 million to the Boys & Girls Club of America to further the organization’s STEM programs.
“It’s fitting that we show our appreciation by helping advance STEM programs for youth, especially in underserved areas of the country, to give them the knowledge and tools to build the future they want,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. The executive also told media that it was “thrilling to see how inspired young audiences were by the spectacular technology in the film.”
Black Panther references several scientific facts that speak to both the present and future possibilities in technology. Kaylee Fagan of Business Insider points out the current innovativeness of SpaceX that makes the fantasies of Wakanda a little less far-fetched.
According to the writer, “SpaceX got a permit to begin excavations in Washington, DC for building the Hyperloop, a high-speed, vacuum-powered railway that Musk says will someday be able to carry passengers from New York to the capitol in under 30 minutes.”
Even the film’s director, Ryan Coogler, admitted that some of the inspiration for transporting objects and people in Black Panther came from the BART public transportation system that connects the residents in Oakland, California.
The people have spoken. #BlackPanther is the #1 Movie in the World. See it again: https://t.co/DNSqvnogQ3 pic.twitter.com/dBYHgiVGne
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) February 28, 2018
How cool would it be if one of the recipients of Disney’s generous donation made the fantasies of Wakanda a reality someday? Wouldn’t that be epic?
Stay tuned to see how Disney continues to fuel charitable efforts throughout the nation. Catch Black Panther in theaters nationwide.
