The Walt Disney Company Celebrates Black History Month By Donating $1.5 Million To The United Negro College Fund; Offers Week-Long Free Screenings Of “Black Panther”

The Walt #Disney Company is celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth by donating $1.5 million to the United Negro College Fund, and offering free screenings of the global hit #BlackPanther for a week.

It’s been nearly a year since the smash hit #BlackPanther took us by storm, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all-time and making history as the first superhero movie to be nominated for Best Picture by the Oscars. As #BlackExcellence continues into this New Year, Disney wants to celebrate Black History Month by giving fans the chance to see the film again for free in 250 AMC theaters around the country and giving back to the Black community.

“We know that providing aspiring young minority talent with scholarships and professional development opportunities is vital to making their dreams a reality,” said UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael Lomax via a press release. “UNCF is grateful for Walt Disney Company’s enduring commitment to expanding these types of opportunities, and we’re excited to continue to do so through our Walt Disney Company/UNCF Corporate Scholars Program. I recall the excitement we all had when Black Panther was first released, and it’s fantastic that Disney is bringing the record-breaking movie back to the big screen so that we can relive that excitement. Wakanda Forever!”

In addition to Best Picture, the film has also been nominated for six other categories including Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Original Music Score, Best Original Song, Best Sound Mixing, and Best Sound Editing. “Black Panther is groundbreaking for many reasons, including the rich diversity of voices behind its success,” said Bob Iger, production and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Co., also through a press release. “The story also showcases the power of knowledge to change the world for the better, and the importance of ensuring everyone has access to it. We’re proud to provide thousands of free screenings of Black Panther in hopes it will continue to inspire audiences and to support UNCF with a $1.5 million grant to make the dream of higher education a reality for more students.”

Last year, Disney donated $1 million to expand STEM programs in Oakland along with 11 other areas, including Harlem, Chicago, New Orleans, Washington, D.C., and others. The company also gave $1 million to the Girls and Boys Club of America. There also may be a Black Panther-inspired theme park in production!