The Walt Disney Co. on Monday announced it has made a $1 million donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) in celebration of Black Panther.
The Marvel Studios superhero film, which has a largely black cast, is a mega-blockbuster and is being called an important cultural moment by many fans and critics.
The donation will help expand BGCA‘s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs, which support high-tech skills and science, and establish new STEM Centers of Innovation in 12 communities across the country.
In the film, the fictional African nation of Wakanda is renowned (by those who know of its existence) for its highly technological and scientific advancements. It also provides young viewers with role models, including Shuri (Letitia Wright), the teenager sister to T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) who is a science whiz and the smartest person in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Related Stories
“Marvel Studios’ Black Panther is a masterpiece of movie making and has become an instant cultural phenomenon, sparking discussion, inspiring people young and old, and breaking down age-old industry myths,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. “It is thrilling to see how inspired young audiences were by the spectacular technology in the film, so 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.”
Boseman thanked Disney for the donation.
“The #BlackPanther movie-ment continues. Thank you to @RobertIger & @Disney for donating $1 MILLION to the @BGCA_Clubs so they can expand their youth STEM programs. You can never go wrong when you invest in kid’s futures. #WakandaForever,” the actor tweeted.
Black Panther has already grossed $704 million worldwide after a strong second weekend at the box office.
More from The Hollywood Reporter
-
The Race
Cannes Awards Analysis: What ‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’ and ‘Hunt’ Have Going for and Against Them
![]()
-
Tilda Swinton
‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’ Star Tilda Swinton on Feature Films: “That Is My Flag, and I Fly It”
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
![]()
-
Jeremy Renner
Jeremy Renner to Play David Armstrong, Reporter Who Exposed Sackler Family’s Links to Opioid Crisis
![]()
