NO GPS Ep. 8: The Wakandans learn how to Swim, Again

The Indigenous and Afrocentric dream of reviving ancient civilizations untouched by modernity and colonization come to life in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Mez & Aharon (with the genius guidance of producer man Matt) talk about what happens after this dream is shattered and the world happens upon it.

How is insurmountable grief dealt with? For the first time the Wakandans deal with the unrelenting wave of disaster and pain visited upon the black-African diaspora. The way they surf that wave of grief is instructive for all of us. Mez & Aharon discuss how Princess Shuri, the new Black Panther, learns how to swim through the pain and grief, not as a means of escape but as a means towards self realization.     

They talk about how the film treats righteous anger with the due respect it deserves. Emotions of this caliber are usually discarded in productions of this quality and size. But in Wakanda Forever, Princess Shuri, the Black Panther, becomes a synthesis of both her nobel brother King T'challa and her militant cousin King Killmonger. But one has many rivers to cross before this level of black consciousness is reached. Mez & Aharon act as ferrymen in this podcast episode. Enjoy!

Correction: the Year of the Elephant is the year 570 not 1626.

Artwork by Sham & Matt.