From Comic Book Hero to Cultural Icon

Location: Room 17.98, KII

Part of the American Days 2018

Ryan Coogler’s 2018 film, Black Panther, is important for a number of reasons besides its blockbuster chart-topping successes with global audiences. Join us for a lecture and discussion of the film’s significance. Drawing from its comic book origins, coupled with signifier relevance to the militant politics of the Black Panthers in the 1960s, Richard Powers, Lecturer at Stuttgart University and Emeritus Professor of English, University of Maryland University College, will discuss key scenes in the film that speak to group and individual senses of empowerment in terms of cultural images, tracing highlights from popular media from the 1960s to today. Snacks and beverages will be available.