But as I said that, I realized something. Even if I was the only one, even if it was over the top, I don't care. I worked hard for this; I wanted it. I had dressed up for me, after all. As a black woman who has been a geek for half her life, this was more than just putting on a costume for fun. It felt personal—I was proud to be wearing this.
“I love your outfit,” a girl in the theater said to me with a smile. My resolve had already set in, but it was nice to hear all the same.
With this new outlook, I stopped at the concession stand just before the movie started. I anticipated spending about ten dollars for some over-priced chicken tenders, but I halted when I saw these plastic Black Panther heads—being used as popcorn buckets—behind the counter. I had to have one.
“It’s $19.90 for the combo, ma’am,” the employee told me. “It comes with the popcorn, buttered or caramel, and a large drink. Love your outfit, by the way.”
I had already invested near $100 dollars for this night, so I paused and thought, Do I really want to give another twenty? Was this getting out of control? As someone not prone to knee-jerk reactions or impulse buying, I debated for another 45 seconds before forking over the money. Sure, it was just a plastic thing in the shape of the Black Panther's head, but the detailing was amazing. I figured this was one official piece I can add to my Black Panther collection, and I was anxious to have it.
Courtesy of Jillian Robinson
As people found their seats in the packed movie theater, there was this air of anticipation—and then, a rush of silence as the film began. No one was talking, no one was on their phones. Everyone was fully engaged. In short, it was a movie miracle.
