“Black Panther” is one of the most anticipated movies of the year, and thousands of children may have a chance to see it for free thanks to the #BlackPantherChallenge.
» RELATED: Man raises nearly $30,000 on GoFundMe to help Harlem kids see 'Black Panther'
Earlier this month, Frederick Joseph of New York launched a GoFundMe to help students from the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem "see a black major cinematic and comic book character come to life," he wrote on the campaign page. He set a lofty goal of $10,000 and nearly quadrupled that amount, raking in more than $40,000 in just a few weeks.
With all of the attention he garnered, including an appearance on the The Ellen Show, he began asking others to start similar fundraisers in their own communities.
“This representation is truly fundamental for young people, especially those who are often underserved, unprivileged, and marginalized both nationally and globally,” he said.
People have answered the call, because 90 campaigns have been created, with more than $100,000 raised, Joseph announced this week.
A ton of celebrities have gotten involved, too, including Jemele Hill, Snoop Dogg, Chelsea Clinton and most recently Viola Davis and the film's star Chadwick Boseman.
Our friends at @CapCityBFF have accepted @FredTJoseph's @gofundme #blackpantherchallenge to send 200 youth in #Austin to see @theblackpanther. Let's make this happen!#Donate: https://t.co/ys6BvuE1fO pic.twitter.com/udJqiJyDLp
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) January 22, 2018
Thank you @FredTJoseph for all your hard work raising funds for the kids of @harlembgc to see #BlackPanther in theaters. 🙏🏾 Watch it all go down on today’s @theellenshow! pic.twitter.com/h6wMYLvgq8
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) January 22, 2018
» RELATED: 3 ways to score 'Black Panther' presale tickets in Atlanta
"What started as an effort to give young people an opportunity to see themselves in a story, has become an opportunity to provide access for them to TELL THEIR OWN stories," said on Twitter.
Many have shared their excitement on social media, encouraging others to hop on board for the #BlackPantherChallenge and donate. Several have called it an “amazing” and “incredible” endeavor.
Just a reminder we're also part of the official #BlackPantherChallenge on Gofundme. We're Past the 50% mark, which is amazing but we've got a ways to go. You can donate or spread the word here: https://t.co/jvSXnawsBK
— {rāyf} (@rayf__) January 23, 2018
I can’t even begin to express how proud i am of @FredTJoseph for getting this movement started! Link for the kids of #philly is in my pinned tweet! Share/donate! #BlackPantherEvent #BlackPantherChallenge https://t.co/l54izXSMfe
— Kristina (@kristinac_) January 22, 2018
» RELATED: Why 'Black Panther' packs a punch with black audiences
We're almost at our goal! Please help us send kids from the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club in Hattiesburg, MS to see #BlackPanther! Anything helps! #BlackPantherChallenge https://t.co/KXayyPT92m
— Coach Faulk 🏈 (@Caleb_Faulkner) January 23, 2018
Best initiative EVER. #BlackPantherChallenge #BlackPantherEvent #BlackPantherSoLit
— Choya Porter (@splashofdiva) January 23, 2018
All right, let's put the tide pods down and get behind a legit challenge. #BlackPantherChallenge
— I 💗 311 (@311_luvr) January 23, 2018
Want to learn more about the initiative? Take a look at the details here. "Black Panther" hits theaters Feb. 16.
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