OUR ADVICE EXPERTS

Big Q,

Last year, my man dressed as the Black Panther for Halloween. I am very attracted to my man and even more in the costume. Due to the sudden death of Chadwick Boseman, the Black Panther, he believes it is too soon to wear the costume again this Halloween. However, I think wearing it also is a sign of respect. Can you help us shed some light on this topic? What do you think?

~ Real respect

Dear Real Respect,

In my opinion, it is not too early to wear a Black Panther costume for Halloween this year. You are right when you say that wearing the costume would be a sign of respect. The only issue is that there will be a million different people dressing up as Black Panther this year. All the stores will end up selling out of the costumes right away. So if he wants to be different and original, he might want to tuck his costume away for a couple of years and let the buzz die down. Regardless of what you both decide, have a happy Halloween, and be safe out there.  

~ Big Q

Big Q,

In my English class, we studied protagonist antagonist characters in movies. Killmonger played by Michael B. Jordan; the antagonist was my favorite character. Most of my classmates chose the protagonist Black Panther, played by Chadwick Boseman. Which character in the movie Black Panther was your favorite? 

~ I Love Killmonger

Dear, I Love Killmonger,

I must admit that I thought Killmonger was a great character that helped make the movie very enjoyable, but I’m riding with Black Panther as the movie’s best character. Even though I somewhat viewed Killmonger as the bad guy of the film, I understand why he acted in the way he did to a certain extent. But at the end of the day, I wanted Black Panther to succeed and defeat Killmonger so that he could bring positivity and prosperity to the world due to the actions of a Black superhero. Black Panther was my favorite character, and his little sister Shuri was my second favorite character. Wakanda for life!!!  

~ Big Q!

Dear Queen Gabby,

My man dressed as the Black Panther last year for Halloween. I am very attracted to my man and even more in the costume. Due to the sudden death of Chadwick Boseman, the Black Panther, he believes it is too soon to wear the costume again this Halloween. However, I think wearing it again is a sign of respect. Can you help us shed some light on this topic? What do you think?

~ Real Respect

Dear Real Respect,

I think seeing a Black male in the costume is paying homage to the late Chadwick Boseman. He had the right idea last year, and should this year as well. I totally understand about timing, but it’s not a bad thing for a king to represent and appreciate another king. We need to see Black men stepping up and idolizing one another, not just for Halloween but in life. A lot of people were devastated by his death, especially young boys. Maybe this would be a good time to immortalize Chadwick as Black Panther. I know the person and the character are two different people, but our culture sees him as one. It would be awesome to see Black men and boys bring him back to life, even if it’s only for one night. Enjoy your Halloween, and your husband in his Black Panther costume. Will you be Nakia? It’s only right sis! 

~ Queen Gabby

Dear Queen Gabby,

In my English class we studied protagonist antagonist characters in movies. Killmonger played by Michael B. Jordan, the antagonist was my favorite character. Most of my classmates chose the protagonist Black Panther, played by Chadwick Boseman. Which character in the movie Black Panther was your favorite? 

~ I Love Killmonger

Dear I Love Killmonger,

Black Panther of course! I’m always a fan of the good guy. Funny thing is, I’m a huge fan of Michael B Jordan, but he wasn’t my favorite in this movie. Every superhero movie I see comes with a bad guy, and unfortunately it had to be a very attractive one. I love them both as actors, but Chadwick takes the cake. If another black panther should come out, I’d be interested in who a new, if any, protagonist would be. There have been rumors that Chadwick finished the sequel, before he passed, that Killmonger now reigns as Blank Panther, and even that Shuri takes over like in the real comic. We will have to wait and see, but a shirtless Killmonger wouldn’t make me mad at all. 

~ Queen Gabby 

Dear Queen Gabby,

This guy started flirting with me online. I wasn’t seriously interested, I guess I was bored. I told my 32-year-old daughter about him and good thing I did--she found the same guy was all in her DM, trying to shoot his shot with her? Can you believe it? How should I address this issue with him? 

~ Off Put by Online Dating

Dear Off Put by Online Dating,

Men think with their…you know. If I were you or your daughter I would just delete him without any explanation. Do you know the guy personally? If not, just delete him. If you and your daughter are close in age, there comes a point where she will cross older men and you will cross younger men. A man who would try and talk to you both, however, is a major turn off. You and your daughter can now both laugh and shake your heads at him. It’s also great that you and your daughter have the type of relationship where you can tell each other things like this. Just think about what could happen if you didn’t. 

~ Queen Gabby 

 Hey Steve,

My 3-year-old and 7-year-old cried when I told them the Black Panther had gone to the heavens. They have watched the movie three times since I have told them. Should I continue to let them watch it? 

~ Mom of Grieving Children 

Dear Mom of Grieving Children, 

It is hard. The world is grieving, not because of the death of Black Panther but that of an incredible young Black man that showed such bravery and commitment to changing the world. As for the character, I have heard rumors that Black Panther will live on, and someone else will take on the role. Let them watch it if it brings them comfort. The movie is fantastic and tells of a powerful hero. Consider this as a great teaching moment for your kids relative to the man behind the mask, his excellent work ethic, and love for all people. Hug your kids. Wakanda Forever!

~ Steve

Hey Steve,

The loss of Chadwick Boseman came all of a sudden. Have you seen any or all of his movies? (Marshall, 42, Get On Up, the Avengers or Black Panther)

Which one is your favorite, and why? 

~ Movie Fanatic

Dear Movie Fanatic, 

I have seen all of his movies except for 42. Black Panther was my top pick, followed by Get on Up and Marshall. Boseman’s ability to embody James Brown and Thurgood Marshall was terrific. Black Panther was my absolute favorite for so many reasons. It was the first mainstream movie release featuring a Black superhero; it showed the robust existence of African culture, and Black people finally got to see themselves represented well and celebrated. Black Panther was not just a good movie, but a defining moment in our nation’s history. Wakanda Forever!  

~Steve

Hey Steve,

I know you are familiar with the Ahmaud Arbery killing that took place in Brunswick, GA. You’re a Morehouse graduate and you live in Georgia. Also, Black men dying at the hands of white people is not new. How are you coping with this injustice? What suggestions do you have for me being a single, Black father of 4 Black boys being vigilant daily? 

~ I’m Black & I’m Proud

Dear, I’m Black & I’m Proud,

Like you, I am inconsistently outraged by the blatant racial injustice of our people. What we are seeing is the present manifestation of a radicalized hatred inflicted by racist people and systems that support and protect their actions. My suggestion for you is that you educate your sons on the present-day reality of racism and oppression and arm them with the truth about who they are. Educate them on the proper ways to engage the police and how to navigate authoritative structures. Their choices can often be a matter of life and death. Charge them with the responsibility to support causes that free the mental, physical and economic enslavement of our people. Help them to be the change they desire to see. Be strong and stay safe!

~ Steve