Courtesy of GoFundMe
Shomari Martinez set up the “#BlackPantherChallenge Queens, NY” page on GoFundMe last month.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Resorts World Casino New York City is now in the superhero business.
The South Ozone Park entertainment destination recently announced that it is a sponsor of the “Black Panther Challenge,” a campaign sparked by Shomari Martinez, a Springfield Gardens native who plays Jabari Drummer in “Marvel Studios Black Panther,” to bring more than 200 Queens students to a private screening of the international blockbuster at Jamaica Multiplex Cinemas.
Last month, Martinez set up a GoFundMe page – #BlackPantherChallenge Queens, NY – with the modest goal of raising $4,000 to cover costs. As of Wednesday it has already fielded nearly $4,500 in donations.
“Growing up in Queens, NY my parents tried their best to keep us involved in extracurricular activities in the arts and sports. Fast forward, I am now a professional actor who was fortunate enough to be a part of the ‘Black Panther’ film. In my youth I could only imagine an opportunity like that. Unfortunately, many young people don’t have these opportunities,” Martinez wrote. “The amount of light this film will shine is immeasurable. I am facilitating this initiative because I believe it is important to shine this light on the youth. Light which will show them that despite where they are from or how rough it may be, they too have the opportunity to be great, be kings, be queens and heroes in the world around them.”
Resorts World noted that it has already connected more than 50 deserving local kids from the YMCA, the Showing Hearts Foundation, the Dominico-American Society of Queens, A Better Jamaica, and the I.R.I.E. Butterfly Foundation to the challenge. The casino is also sponsoring the printing of promotional T-shirts that will be distributed to attendees.
