Triangle organization exceeds fundraising goal to help kids see 'Black Panther'

With popcorn and drinks in hand, the group settled into their seats Sunday night, but for some, the journey to the film started decades ago.

“I grew up with him. I remember reading Black Panther as a boy when it came in 1966,” said Rusty Lindsey with the 100 Black Men Triangle East Chapter.

Now, 50 years later, thousands are watching the story on the big screen and many have a national movement to thank.

The Black Panther Challenge urged organizations and communities across the country to raise money to take as many children as possible to see the movie.

The 100 Black Men Triangle East Chapter exceeded its fundraising goal, raising nearly $6,000 to bring mentees and children from other organizations to the IMAX theater at Marbles Kids Museum to see the film.

As the group stepped up with their tickets, their excited and hopeful energy blended with those who had just left the theater following a previous showing of the film.

“The cast being black that way, I think that was miraculous and it set a tone for not only entertainment, but just in our own world that we live in,” Mitch Summerfield, a pastor who took men in his church to see the movie.

The hope is that the children who saw the movie Sunday night will walk away with a message that transcends their childhood.

“Unfortunately, what’s often portrayed in the media is not an image of positivity, especially around our young black males. They are as accomplished and do as many things as the norm,” Lindsey said.