700 Students To Get 'Welcome To Wakanda' In DeKalb

DECATUR, GA — This weekend, millions of people will be transported to the fictional land of Wakanda when "Black Panther," the latest Marvel superhero movie to be filmed in and around Atlanta, hits theaters.

On Tuesday, 700 kids from DeKalb County and Atlanta will join them, thanks to local movie-industry officials and a foundation dedicated to providing positive role models for children.

The outing is sponsored by The Phoenix Leadership Foundation and the DeKalb Entertainment Commission. They'll be hosting students from six DeKalb County schools and six Atlanta Public Schools for the screening, which will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Movie Tavern Northlake.

Set in the fictional African nation of Wakanda, "Black Panther" is the story of T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman) who returns to the isolated but technologically advanced country to take the throne after the death of his father, the king.

Other stars include Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Denzel Washington, Forrest Whitaker and Andy Serkis. The movie was filmed largely at Pinewood Atlanta Studios in Fayetteville, with scenes also shot in downtown's Sweet Auburn district.

READ: Atlanta's 'Black Panther' Screening Draws Stars, Crowds

It is the first film in the wildly popular Marvel franchise to feature a black main character and consists of a largely black cast, as well as having a black director (Ryan Coogler). As such, it has spurred conversations about the importance of minority representation in television and film, with individuals and groups working to make sure as many minority children as possible see it.

"Images matter. It means something for a kid to see their reflection as regal, wealthy, intelligent, strong and powerful," said James "Jay" Bailey, founder of the Phoenix Leadership Foundation. "This is more than a movie. To see diversity on the big screen excelling as leaders in science, medicine, finance and technology — kings and queens — all woven into an exciting action-packed superhero Marvel comic blockbuster, this is a must see."

Based in Decatur, the Phoenix Leadership Foundation sponsors education, mentoring and character-development programs, with a particular emphasis on black boys.

"The world is flooded with negative images and depressing statistics used to define young black men," the group said on it website. "As a result, many have been locked into a box of low self-confidence and low aspiration. Changing the narrative restores dignity — from there, we soar."

The organizations worked together to raise over $30,000 to provide on-site entertainment, movie admission, a hot lunch, unlimited popcorn, movie favors and gifts for the students. African drummers and dancers will greet them as they arrive at the movie theater and a panel discussion with local business leaders will be held after the film.

Anyone who would like to donate to the nonprofit to help pay for movie tickets and treats may do so at the Phoenix Leadership Foundation website. A $25 donation funds the outing for one student, according to the group.

Photo of Pheonix Leadership Foundation's James "Jay" Bailey courtesy of the foundation