In the weeks since New York marketing consultant Frederick Joseph launched a GoFundMe to give area children the chance to see “Black Panther,” the activist has taken it to a new level.
He started the #BlackPantherChallenge after his own Jan. 5th campaign to get kids at the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem to a private screening of the all-Black superhero film. It has since generated $42,000 and now he’s encouraging other people to make similar screenings possible.
The call has been answered tenfold as GoFundMe reported almost 100 campaigns have been raised more than $100,000 for the cause. Plus, celebrities from Snoop Dogg to Viola Davis — along with everyday people — have offered up funds to let other kids see the Feb. 16 film for free.
“All children deserve to believe they can save the world, go on exciting adventures, or accomplish the impossible,” Joseph said. “I am grateful that all of you have answered the call and are taking action to help more kids watch their heroes on the big screen. Let’s keep pushing forward. If you’re a teacher, buy tickets for your entire classroom. If you’re a coach, take your team. If you’re a community leader, do some organizing and get the kids and parents in your community to the theater.”
Making things even sweeter is “Black Panther” star Joseph’s appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” Monday, Jan. 22. Star Chadwick Boseman and DeGeneres surprised the Harlem BGC by taking care of the screening so that the $42,000 raised can be used for the organization. Joseph’s selflessness also earned him a $20,000 check to help get himself out of debt.
I've accepted the #BlackPantherChallenge and am raising money for the youth in Sacramento to see the movie "Black Panther" by @sacstate alum Ryan Coogler. Please click the link and support!!https://t.co/2Q5E6r5Dwo
— CyrusMulitalo (@CyrusMulitalo) January 13, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdyqtwglRF3/?tagged=blackpantherchallenge
help me raise money to get these kids to see @TheBlackPanther ! its important they see the hero on screen ✊🏿 gonna set up my own screening for the LA kids ! @FredTJoseph got it goin . me n Ryan Coogler gonna keep it goin! #BlackPantherChallenge https://t.co/wHzEsnu9xe pic.twitter.com/KMEQKGfY2t
— Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) January 13, 2018
