Foundation fund to send kids to see Black Panther

As Black Panther opened in theatres Friday, a local arts foundation is joining in a global movement to expose children to the historic film.

Sankofa Arts and Music Foundation has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise $3,000 to take as many as 300 children to see the Marvel superhero movie.

“Black Panther is a historic moment in Hollywood’s history. An almost exclusively black cast tell the story of a powerful and influential black superhero who lives and reigns in Africa. These children will finally have the opportunity to see themselves and their culture represented on screen,” said Marion Ashton, founder and president of the foundation.

The local campaign is part of a larger #BlackPantherChallenge started by a New York resident who raised $40,000 to sponsor youth from Harlem to attend an exclusive showing of the movie.

In Calgary, 80 movie tickets have already been donated by businesses and the money raised will buy the remaining tickets.

The moviegoers will also be treated to pizza following the show.

For details, or to donate, go to www.gofundme.com/nupmjpblackpantherchallenge

Aspiring ballet dancers will have the chance to learn from one of the country’s best.

Former National Ballet of Canada prima ballerina Chan Hon Goh is hosting a series of masterclass sessions across Canada and the U.S., including in Calgary on Feb. 25.

Ballet students between 11 and 18 years are invited to attend one of two, 90-minute sessions, which are divided by skill level: pique ( junior) and jete (senior).

Each master class includes a Q&A with Goh and all participants will be considered for a scholarship, valued at $5,000, based on artistic potential and technique.

The $25 sessions will be held at the International School of Ballet, 8500 Macleod Tr. S. and class space is limited.

For details and tickets, go to