2025 BEA Diversity and Inclusion Research Award: Femi Emmanuel Folorunsho, Ball State University; Reimagining Futures and Challenging Norms: A Critical Analysis of Afrofuturism, Gender Dynamics, and Aesthetic Representation in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Washington, D.C. – The 2025 Broadcast Education Association (BEA) Diversity and Inclusion Research Award has been presented to Femi Emmanuel Folorunsho, Ball State University for their paper Reimagining Futures and Challenging Norms: A Critical Analysis of Afrofuturism, Gender Dynamics, and Aesthetic Representation in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
This analysis explores Black Panther: Wakanda Forever through the lenses of Afrofuturism, gender dynamics, and aesthetic representation. The film, directed by Ryan Coogler, continues the cultural and narrative legacy established by its predecessor while addressing the impact of Chadwick Boseman’s death on the storyline and production. The study delves into how Afrofuturism shapes the film’s futuristic vision of African identity, blending cultural heritage with advanced technology. It also examines the significant roles of female characters like Shuri, Ramonda, and the Dora Milaje, who challenge traditional gender norms in the superhero genre. Costume design, led by Ruth E. Carter, is highlighted for its integration of traditional African aesthetics with futuristic elements, reinforcing the film’s Afrofuturistic theme. Ultimately, this critical analysis underscores Wakanda Forever’s contribution to ongoing discussions on inclusivity, representation, and the reimagining of Black identity in modern cinema.
Femi Emmanuel Folorunsho is a graduate student at Ball State University. His work critically examines contemporary media narratives and their cultural impact, with a particular interest in African and African diasporic storytelling. He has presented at international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals on topics related to media diversity
The BEA Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) committee works to support BEA’s mission to take seriously our leadership responsibility to provide equal access and opportunity by fostering academic excellence, diversity, and inclusion among students, faculty, and media professionals. The BEA D&I committee seeks to promote research and creative work that addresses issues of diversity and inclusion in areas of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, country of origin, political affiliation, veteran status, field of research, socioeconomic status, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Each year the committee reviews award candidates that have been self-selected from BEA’s interest division research competitions and the Festival of Media Arts faculty creative competition.
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