Black Twitter slams Forever 21 for putting white model in ‘Wakanda Forever’ sweater
Forever 21 has a vast collection of holiday apparel, but many shoppers were disappointed when they spotted a Black Panther-themed sweater worn by a white model this holiday season.
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The top had the phrase “Wakanda Forever” embroidered across the front. The expression became popular after the release of the highly successful film “Black Panther,” which featured a nearly all-black cast of characters.
When the fashion brand tweeted out an image of the sweater worn by the male model, several responded with disapproval. Many thought the clothing should have been worn by a black person, especially since the movie celebrated people of color.
Not even Wakanda can escape gentrification. @blavity @blackpanther @urbanintellectuals @forever21 #forever21 pic.twitter.com/XBwJyyUCk2
— Jesuorobo's Thoughts (@Jesuorobo) December 18, 2018
Forever 21 knows exactly what they're doing with that ghost in the shell man in the african kitty sweater and here ya'll go given them the attention they want
— cultured butter bae (@jilleeann_) December 18, 2018
man pic.twitter.com/ZHb7OZnb7U
— Dad (@fivefifths) December 18, 2018
this sweater just called 311 because Shuri's making too much noise in her lab pic.twitter.com/Npd7nxwhJP
— Desus Nice (@desusnice) December 18, 2018
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On the other hand, some didn’t think it was a big deal. A few didn’t have an issue with a white model donning the “Wakanda Forever” gear and said the merchandise was not exclusive to black people.
No shade but Wakanda is from a movie. It’s not real. Why are so mad at Forever 21. White people cant like Black Panther? Why do we insist on making a moment out of EVERYTHING 😩🤷🏾♂️
— Jeleel (@JeleelWilliams) December 19, 2018
Why are people mad at @Forever21 using a white model? Some of you man complaining probably never shop there and why youre mad over someone sporting a wakanda forever shirt? The black panther franchise and merch Is not exclusive to just black people. Grow up it's not that serious. pic.twitter.com/XNmAHI3Dch
— Joni-louise (@joniibek) December 19, 2018
People got mad because Forever 21 had a white male wearing a wakanda forever sweater 🤨 Y’all so aggravating and complain about everything. Like why can’t someone white be showcased wearing that ? Black panther is a marvel character created for any and everyone to enjoy RELAX
— The Phoenix (@lunaticshii) December 19, 2018
Amid the backlash, Forever 21 removed the tweet and issued an apology.
"Forever 21 takes feedback on our products and marketing extremely seriously," the company told HuffPost in a statement. "We celebrate all superheroes with many different models of various ethnicities and apologize if the photo in question was offensive in any way."
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About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
