The Black Tie Black Panther: Wakanda Scholarship Ball Announced

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Wakanda Forever.

It’s been more than three years since the Marvel movie “Black Panther” was released, and it’s still making an impact on culture.

The University of Alabama Black Faculty and Staff Association will host the first annual Wakanda Scholarship Ball Feb. 5, 2022 from 6 to 10 p.m. The fundraising event follows the second annual Dr. Trudier Harris Intercollegiate Black History Scholars Bowl that morning at 9 a.m. Both events will be at the Bryant Conference Center.

“When you look at the fictitious African country of Wakanda in Marvel Comics, you see culture, community and STEM — science, technology, engineering and math,” said Chad Jackson, BFSA president. “With the Wakanda theme, we will highlight the contributions African Americans have made to academia, the world and intersectional cultures at large throughout both events.”

Jackson said the ball, which is being held in February to celebrate Black History Month, serves as a fun and creative way to raise money for the BFSA Quasi-Endowed Scholarship Fund and BFSA Annual Support Fund while highlighting African history, intersectionality, creativity and Afrofuturism.

“With this formal event, we are raising money to support students while giving our community, friends and advocates an opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments and culture with us,” Jackson said.

The dress for the event may be formal or semi-formal. Attendees are encouraged to be creative with their formal wear, inspired by the garb of Wakanda or in celebration of their own culture. Photos of some dress examples are on the BFSA website.

“Black, Indigenous, people of color, BIPOC, enjoy wearing formal dashiki/kitenge cloth garments in February for Black History celebrations,” Jackson said.

The ball is open to the public and all are welcome.

Tickets cost $60 a person and $110 for a duo with open seating on sale until Feb. 1, 2022. Reserved premium seating for groups, departments and organizations costs $480 per table of eight. The deadline to purchase tickets for premium seating is Dec. 31.

Corporate and group sponsorships are also available with a deadline of Dec. 31.

Tickets cover dinner, entertainment, parking and one drink.

The University’s COVID-19 protocols will be in place. Visit healthinfo.ua.edu for updated information at the time of the ball.

Scholars Bowl 

Held in partnership with The University of Alabama Division of Student Life, the Dr. Trudier Harris Intercollegiate Black History Scholars Bowl invites undergraduate student teams from across Alabama to compete.

“Last year, Alabama A&M University won the competition, traveling trophy, and a $2,000 scholarship awarded by Renasant Bank in our inaugural event,” Jackson said. “We eagerly look forward to their return as they defend their title against the inaugural teams and three new HBCUs that have signed on to compete.”

Colleges interested in registering a team for the scholarship bowl have until Jan. 16, 2022, to register.