$30K Raised To Screen Marvel's 'Black Panther' For Harlem Kids

HARLEM, NY — A New York City man's campaign to screen Marvel's new movie "Black Panther" for The Boys and Girls Club of Harlem has raised more than $30,000 and inspired people to create similar funds in different cities.

Frederick Joseph, of Astoria, Queens, started the GoFundMe campaign "Help Children See 'Black Panther'" on Jan. 5, according to the campaign's website. Joseph's original ask was $10,000, which would cover the costs of a private screening at the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem as well as refreshments for kids and chaperones.

But the campaign has nearly tripled that goal, raising $36,815 as of this writing.

"The release of Marvel's film the "Black Panther" is a rare opportunity for young students (primarily of color) to see a black major cinematic and comic book character come to life," Joseph wrote on the GoFundMe page. "This representation is truly fundamental for young people, especially those who are often underserved, unprivileged, and marginalized both nationally and globally."

The campaign has garnered so much positive attention that Joseph and GoFundMe launched the #BlackPantherChallenge on Wednesday. Joseph challenged people in communities around the country to start their campaigns to raise money for screenings, and GoFundMe will select 10 campaigns to receive a $100 donation.

Joseph's original campaign stopped accepting donations on Wednesday. The excess money will be put toward hosting additional screenings of the movie, and any money left over will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem, Joseph wrote on GoFundMe.

Marvel's "Black Panther" is directed by Ryan Coogler and stars Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong'o and Michael B. Jordan. The movie will be released in theaters on Feb. 16.

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