The Tampa Theatre is rolling out its fourth annual Black Love classic movie series this February, and it's a feast for the fans of "blerd culture," a celebration of black nerds who have too long lived in the shadow of mainstream pop-culture. In what's become a yearly tradition pairing Valentine's Day with Black History Month, the series showcases the tender tales of romance, family, community, and now, the superheroes of blerd lore. This year, the Tampa Theatre, in partnership with the City of Tampa’s Community Engagement & Partnerships Department and presented by Tampa Electric (TECO), is injecting the spirit of fandom into the heart of the city.
The series will launch with a crown jewel of superhero cinema, "Black Panther" (2018), screening tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. As noted in the Tampa Government announcement, the Tampa Theatre is inviting guests to engage more deeply with their fandoms by arriving in costume for photo ops and an on-stage parade before the showing. This move not only honors the art and narrative of the film but also the community that cherishes it. The late Chadwick Boseman's portrayal of T'Challa, in what became an Oscar-winning nod to cultural representation, continues to echo as more than just a character—it's a symbol of diversity and strength on screen.
This year’s gathering, however, is not only about celebrating the fictional heroes of Wakanda. Linking the cinephiles with the less sung heroes of the real world, the series includes a "Touch A Truck" event from 2-3 p.m. on Franklin Street. Here, attendees can meet the everyday saviors, the emergency responders and TECO line workers who participated in clean-up efforts post the hurricanes in October. It's a dual acknowledgment of the power of both imaginative escapism and tangible heroism, which the community relies upon in times of need.
The Black Love series balances itself on the fulcrum of past and present narratives, embracing both established and emerging segments of black culture. Tampa's nerd-core rapper Swell Rell will be enlivening the event, fostering an atmosphere where the passion for blerd culture can thrive uninhibited. It's a continuation of a dialogue that extends beyond a world often framed by capes and masks, into the everyday lives of individuals whose stories inspire much the same admiration.
