Ever since Black Panther opened in theaters, several celebrities and athletes have gone out of their way to sponsor screenings and purchase movie tickets for kids. As the first Marvel film with a predominantly black cast, Black Panther's success could impact the way Hollywood execs cast films in the future.
In an effort to get more eyes on the film, New Orleans Pelicans point guard Rajon Rondo recently treated 320 students to a special screening in Louisville, Kentucky.
According to Thomas Novelly of the Louisville Courier-Journal, the former University of Kentucky star hosted the event in conjunction with his Assisting Youth Foundation. Students earned an invitation by writing an essay about a person, place or event in black history.
Rondo sees this opportunity as a way to teach young black kids that they can do anything they want in life.
"It's good for young black kids to see us in these star roles that they pretty much never see ever in their life," Rondo said. "So they can see our culture and race in lead roles in the movie. It says you can do anything you want in life. It's all about surrounding yourself with positive people and continuing to push through any adversity you have in life."
In addition to Rondo, Serena Williams, Travis Scott, Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes and Carolina Panther safety Mike Adams have all bought tickets for kids to see the film, which has already raked in over $500 million worldwide, according to Forbes.
