Black Panther: An open response to Ryan Coogler’s letter

After Black Panther director Ryan Coogler sent an emotional letter to fans, a Hidden Remote writer sends an open response!

This morning Ryan Coogler sent an emotional letter to his fans. It’s no surprise he would have so many words to say, yet struggle to find them after the monumental success of Black Panther. It’s a film that continues to smash records, as well as touch people all over the world.

In the letter, he sends his gratitude to not just the fans but also the press. Here is the heartwarming message, followed by my response to the letter:

Dear Mr. Coogler,

First, let me offer my congrats on having a successful weekend at the box-office. Seeing so many people from all walks of life have such a wonderful time this weekend reminded me of the power art has to heal people. I don’t think society realized how much we needed this movie until we sat in theatres together, next to strangers and friends, family and children and realized the power that we all share, the love we are all capable of, the sheer value of our shared humanness turned to heroism.

I wanted to express what this movie means to me. I know this film is touching a lot of people across different races and nationalities, but what you made reaches beyond that. You see, I’m not a person of color, but I am a person with a disability. Since I was born, I have never taken a single step by myself without the use of an assistive aid. I’ve been wheelchairbound my entire life. I have had to battle a world that constantly judges me as soon as I “roll” into a room before anyone even knows who I am. Since my first breath, I’ve learned to be a fighter when it comes to social prejudice, and I do not regret it.

I am also married and my wife has a similar disability. Side story: She has been to Africa three times– twice to Mozambique (visiting Joburg while there), and once to Nigeria. Her disability makes her walk crooked and has also been a constant social pressure for her growing up. On one of her trips, she encountered a little girl. This little girl was pointing at my wife. In the moment, my wife thought it was another incident of someone commenting on how she walks. When the girl got up to move, my wife realized she had the same disability. This little African girl named Carmina also walks the way my wife walks. The little girl had never seen anyone else like her before that day. World’s apart, two different people of two different nationalities became each other’s superheroes overnight.

That is what this film does for many people. Just like the little girl in Africa changing a life all the way in the USA, Black Panther makes many of us realize a superhero can come from anywhere, or be anyone. We are not bound by our circumstances at birth or the fact that God did not give us a chance to pick our skin color. We can all be heroes! And right now, the world needs more of them!

My thanks to you and Marvel!

Wakanda forever!

Sincerely,
John Dotson

Next: How did the Avengers: Infinity War trailer ruin an important Black Panther moment?

Black Panther is now in theaters everywhere!

What did you think of Ryan Coogler’s letter? What would you like to say to him? Tell us in the comments below!