In the run-up to Black Panther‘s theatrical release, its groundbreaking potential for representation has come up again and again. From the #BlackPantherChallenge that raised money to help kids see the film, to the #WhatBlackPantherMeansToMe hashtag that explored the significance of a black, African superhero, thousands of people have recognized the role that Black Panther can play in inspiring the next generation of black kids.
London-based Nigerian photographer Àsìkò perfectly captured the importance of this representation in a recent photo series. In the photos, children recreate the powerful Black Panther character posters. “As a kid who read comics,” Àsìkò wrote on Instagram, “Black Panther was one of the very few black superheroes I came across. For a child, it is a beautiful thing to see yourself represented in a positive light in pop culture. What is also great is that it’s a hero steeped in culture and heritage and not drug deals or street thugging (is thugging a word?). Ryan Coogler and Marvel Studios have made a film that is part of the positive narrative changing voice of Africa and the black race and, boy, does it matter. I can imagine a child being empowered watching Black Panther [and] thinking, ‘That superhero looks just like me.'”
The photos were commissioned by Looks Like Me, a UK talent and casting agency dedicated to raising the profile of underrepresented groups. Styling was done by Basma Khalifa, and makeup and face painting was done by NyGlorious Face Arts. Below are some of the photos, as shared on the Looks Like Me Instagram.
Kenyah, inspired by Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa:
N’Adjoa, inspired by Lupita Nyong’o’s Nakia:
Camiyah, inspired by Letitia Wright’s Shuri:
Malakai, inspired by Michael B. Jordan’s Erik Killmonger:
(via Blavity; featured image: Marvel Entertainment and Walt Disney Studios)
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