November / December 2022 Issue
Table of Contents

Nov/Dec Digital Cover Experience

“It’s a love letter to Chad.”

Letitia Wright
NOTES FROM THE

Editor

 
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Through its groundbreaking representation of inclusivity, Marvel’s ‘Black Panther’ sparked a phenomenon that spoke to the range that a predominantly Black cast could offer if afforded an opportunity to shine. The first movie—the 14th highest-grossing film of all time—has been recognized by critics and audiences as a watershed moment for Hollywood and gave Black folks the world over an infectious sense of joy.

Merging the wonder of STEM with rich ancestral and contemporary culture, ‘Black Panther’ has become a cultural pillar in the Black community that will withstand the test of time. In theaters Nov. 11, the sequel will undoubtedly continue to break barriers for Black creatives in Hollywood while championing diversity worldwide. Join EBONY as we celebrate the cultural impact of this game-changing film, from our exclusive cover shoot in partnership with Google Pixel 7 to an exploration of the wonder of Afrofuturism.

 
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Cover Story: Forever After

“Wait, are we hopeful or sad?” That’s what Winston Duke jokingly says after EBONY’s creative director asks him and the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever cast to look into the klieg light for the group’s next shot. Duke and his co-stars Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira and Dominique Thorne are nestled together inside Hard Rock Hotel San Diego for their digital cover shoot. The cast’s cosmic synergy radiates for the next 90 minutes as they giggle at inside jokes and exchange anticipatory glances at how the Comic-Con audience across the street will respond to the first glimpse of their long-awaited sequel. Duke’s quip causes everyone to break into laughter, but the sentiment is real. Will the film be a somber reflection of what will never be or a heartfelt celebration of the late Chadwick Boseman?

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“The presence of ‘Black Panther’ illuminates the absence of an investment in Black fantasy, Black history epics, Black grandeur.”

Winston Duke
Video: Making the Cover Featuring the ‘Wakanda Forever’ Cast

In an epic shoot that was six months in the making, #TeamEBONY traveled to San Diego Comic Con where Black Panther: Wakanda Forever stars Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke and Dominique Thorne would make an emotional surprise appearance as they premiered the film’s trailer. With Wakanda Forever, the Black Panther crew was charged with the difficult task of continuing the epic saga while mourning the loss of their fearless leader Chadwick Boseman. Join Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, and Dominique Thorne in this behind-the-scenes video.

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Afrofuturist Must-Reads for Fans of ‘Black Panther’

Black Panther‘s ability to envelop its audience in a visually arresting re-imagining of Africa never gets old. It’s difficult to witness T’Challa’s determination, Princess Shuri’s brilliance, and Killmonger’s passion without yearning for more and wishing that all of it was real. Five minutes into the original Marvel film, and it’s clear that Ryan Coogler has created an Afrofuturist masterpiece well-deserving of acclaim. So, if you find yourself daydreaming about booking a flight to Wakanda, head to your local bookseller instead and pick up one (or all) of these books.

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The Best Red Carpet Looks from the ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ L.A. Premiere

It’s been four years since we’ve returned to Wakanda. The last time we were there the Avengers and Thonos’ army tore up the Motherland hard, but with time everything was corrected. As we gear up for our return to Wakanda, we were joined by some of Hollywood’s brightest stars at the film’s world premiere in Los Angeles, CA. The legendary Angela Bassett dazzled in a gorgeous purple gown, Lupita Nyong’o stunned a white cut-out dress and Letitia Wright paid homage to her late co-star Chadwick Boseman by wearing a suit similar to the one that he wore to the first Black Panther premiere.

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Lupita Nyong’o at the world premiere of Marvel Studios Black Panther: Wakanda Forever held at the Dolby Theatre on October 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
Video: Inside the Issue with EBONY Editor-in-Chief Marielle Bobo

For their EBONY cover shoot, we sought to evoke imagery that felt both reflective and hopeful as the Wakanda Forever cast embarked on a new chapter. Learn more about their journey and how the EBONY team partnered with Google Pixel 7 Pro and used tools such as CGI and VFX to elevate the content capture experience. Check out our cover story, behind-the-scenes videos, and exclusive content around the film. Plus, an exploration of this month’s Afrofuturism theme and a look at Black creatives who are pushing the movement forward.

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Exploring Afrofuturism Beyond the ‘Black Panther’ Universe

What is Afrofuturism? At its most basic core, it is a cultural movement and philosophy that borrows from the past to define the future. Exploring the intersection of African diaspora culture with science and technology, it reimagines new spaces of creative thought. A portal to explore spirituality, art, music and more,  Afrofuturism can be used as a tool of empowerment and imagining new Black worlds. From astral jazz and futuristic street art to the world of Wakanda, get into it.

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Video: The ‘Wakanda Forever’ Cast Takes EBONY Inside the NY Premiere

EBONY correspondent Yonathan Elias attended the New York City premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and caught up with Black Hollywood’s finest about the cultural impact of the franchise and the excitement surrounding the return to Wakanda. EBONY’s November/December 2022 cover stars Winston Duke, Lupita Nyong’o, and Danai Gurira also made an appearance and gushed over the highly anticipated release of the film and their EBONY Power 100 For The Culture Award.

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“There are a lot of very powerful, rich narratives.”

Danai Gurira
5 Places to Experience the Feel of ‘Wakanda’ IRL

As the world prepares to be blown away by Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, fans are longing for the opportunity to experience the magic of Wakanda in real life. From the allure of the characters’ melanated skin and stunning traditional yet futuristic costumes, to the lush backdrops and overall beauty of seeing people who look like us walk in grace and power—it may seem like visiting such a place isn’t possible, but it certainly is. While the real Wakanda is a made up sci-fi universe, there are several global destinations that hold a similar beauty and magic. And the best part, they’re only a flight away.

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Video: Inside EBONY and Google Pixel 7’s Historic Cover Collaboration

EBONY partnered with Google Pixel 7 Pro for its exclusive cover shoot featuring the stars of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever captured by legendary lensman and staff Photo Director Keith Major. The collaboration comes on the heels of the release of Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro phones with Real Tone™, which helps represent the nuances of darker skin tones beautifully, authentically and accurately. The November/December 2022 digital cover marks the first time Google Pixel has been used to photograph an EBONY editorial feature, setting new heights for what will be #SeenOnPixel.

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