Marvel’s Black Panther to go on the prowl in theaters (again) this February

Sharpen your claws and prepare to shout "Wakanda Forever," yet again, because Disney has announced that BLACK PANTHER will return to the big screen to celebrate Black History Month for a one-week engagement, February 1-7. For the event, Marvel will bring their Oscar Award-nominated and SAG winner BLACK PANTHER to a total of 250 participating AMC Theaters locations. As an added precaution, theaters will screen film twice per day, allowing fans of all ages plenty of opportunities to get in on the action. Oh, and I did I mention that these screenings will be free to those savvy enough to secure tickets? Meow!

Ah, but wait, there's more! In accordance with the special screenings, The Walt Disney Company will also give a $1.5 million grant to support UNCF (United Negro College Fund) in furthering its mission to help minority students access and move to and through college. For nearly 75 years, UNCF has been providing scholarships to students in need, and this grant is part of The Walt Disney Company’s longstanding commitment to diverse communities and to expanding the pipeline of talent. (via Disney's official press release for the BLACK PANTHER event)

“‘Black Panther’ is groundbreaking for many reasons, including the rich diversity of voices behind its success,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.  “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.”

For those of you who're unaware, the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. (via Disney's official press release for the BLACK PANTHER event)

“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. “UNCF is grateful for The 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 recent times, Marvel's BLACK PANTHER, as directed and co-written by Ryan Coogler with Joe Robert Cole, had been nominated for a total of seven Oscar categories, including Best Picture, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Original Music Score, Best Original Song, Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing. Furthermore, BLACK PANTHER won the SAG (Screen Actors Guild) Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Award this past Sunday, signaling that the comic book action-adventure film is already a favorite among Awards voters.

Will you be checking out BLACK PANTHER when it prowls back into theaters beginning on February 1st? Are you hoping that the film snags an award or two at the Oscars? Let us know what's going through your mind in the comments section below.