Wakanda forever, indeed.

During the Hollywood Reporter’s 2018 Women in Entertainment Gala, the Black Panther cast announced the first-ever Black Panther scholarship created by Walt Disney Studios. The trio, Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira surprised the 17-year-old, Kalis Coleman with a scholarship worth $250,000.

“We know that if we want to live in a world that looks more like Wakanda, the first step is you invest in some women and girls,” Gurira stated in her speech. 

Coleman greeted the cast with the signature Wakanda signal, with her arms crossed.

In her acceptance speech, Coleman said “I would like to thank my parents who birthed me, who made me who I am today… I just want to stand and say this is for girls who live in Compton, who live in Inglewood, and this is for girls and men who face adversaries. I just want to say that we can do it and it is possible.”

As per The Hollywood Reporter, Coleman isn’t the only student to receive a scholarship. The scholarships were awarded to 18 young women from underserved communities who are currently taking part in the Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program.

The cast members of Black Panther further spoke about the Young Executive Fellowship Program, a two-year programme that provides training and mentorship to students. This will aid the students to become better future leaders in the entertainment industry.

(Image Credits: Chadwick Boseman’s Instagram)