TAMPA, Fla. -- This past weekend, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston and WWE Superstar Titus O'Neil treated approximately 130 students in the Tampa area to a screening of the movie "Black Panther."
The students, ranging from 13 to 18 years old, had to submit Winston an essay on which African-American leaders inspired them the most. Winston and O'Neil even wore dashikis to the outing, which are colorfully patterned garments that originated in West Africa.
Winston and Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy also teamed up with O'Neil to host a free screening of the film when it was released, bringing the total to 2,000 kids and counting.
Winston, O'Neil and McCoy are part of a large group of professional athletes and celebrities who have hosted "Black Panther" movie screenings. Bucs defensive tackle Clinton McDonald hosted a screening in his hometown of Gainesville, Arkansas. Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jaelen Strong did the same in his hometown of Philadelphia, as did New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan in New Orleans and Carolina Panthers safety Mike Adams in his hometown of Patterson, New Jersey.
"Black Panther" is the first Marvel film with a predominantly black cast. In 10 days since its release in North America, it surpassed $404 million.