(WASHINGTON, D.C.) — HBCU Buzz activated screenings for film 21 Bridges in 8 markets, for 10 historically black colleges, over a 3-day period. Beginning with Howard University, the 21 Bridges’ star’s alma mater, HBCU students and alumni took the first peek at the new film set to hit theaters November, 22.
During the campus’ exclusive, first-look at the film, students “oohed and aahed” and screamed at the screen during the entire screening. Following the film, students in every corner of the 1,500-seat, sold-out on-campus auditorium jumped to their feet as Mister and Miss Howard University introduced Chadwick Boseman and Logan Coles for an in-depth panel discussion and student Q&A.
The panel discussion moderated by Essence Entertainment Director Cori Murray allowed attendees to probe perspective of producers Coles and Boseman and gave theater production majors and students studying fine arts, the opportunity to get tips and advice from fellow Bison who once sat in their exact classrooms. When asked ‘What makes you most proud of being a Howard/HBCU alum,’ Chadwick Boseman says,
“Well, for me, there’s a legacy that you’re apart of, especially within the industry you see a lot of us are working and making a difference.. not just in front of the camera, but behind the camera.”
– Chadwick Boseman
“I think it [being an HBCU grad] gives you the foundation. It gives you the confidence to go into spaces that, you know, people don’t necessarily look like you but you don’t feel intimidated because you’re coming from a space where there’s so many brilliant people that look like you and encourage you and build with you and collaborate with you…”
– Logan Coles
Students and alumni of Florida A&M University, Coppin State University, Bowie State University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Norfolk State University, Prairie View A&M University, and Texas Southern University also enjoyed an early screening of the 1hour, 43min film, starring fellow black college-educated Boseman.
After uncovering a massive conspiracy, an embattled NYPD detective joins a citywide manhunt for two young cop killers. As the night unfolds, he soon becomes unsure of who to pursue -- and who's in pursuit of him. When the search intensifies, authorities decide to take extreme measures by closing all of Manhattan's 21 bridges to prevent the suspects from escaping. Presented by STX Entertainment.
