Guyana, South America – Letitia Wright, actress of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s hit film “Black Panther,” received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters and the Arts from the University of Guyana on January 27. The 29-year-old star was welcomed back to her homeland with drumming, steelpan music, and resounding applause as she stepped off a flight from London with family members.
Wright was greeted with a touching tribute by Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, who lauded her exceptional achievements in Hollywood and her role in inspiring others. The international celebrity was overwhelmed with emotion, as she remembered her journey of leaving friends and family behind as a young girl and boarding a plane to the United Kingdom.
“I am just thankful for the welcome,” Wright said. “You guys went above and beyond to show me love.” She went on to recount her passion for acting and the successful career she now leads, saying, “God had a way of allowing everything, but I didn’t know that I would go away for so long. I just went to the UK and used the opportunity and God aligned me with acting.”
Wright was invited to visit Guyana last November by President Irfaan Ali and was described as an inspiration to others by First Lady Arya Ali, who posted pictures of their embrace on her Facebook page. The actress also received the Key to the City of Georgetown from Mayor Ubraj Narine, and was presented with a proclamation from President Dr. Irfaan Ali.
During her visit, Wright toured several cultural sites, held workshops and talks with members of the artistic community, and even returned to her primary school on the West Coast. She was seen being delighted at the historic Stabroek Market Square, the Square of the Revolution, and the majestic Kaieteur Waterfalls.
Wright, who emerged as the new Black Panther character in “Wakanda Forever,” was celebrated as a fierce warrior and an inspiration to every little child in Guyana with a dream. Facebook fan, Kapohn, summed it up in his poem: “In Wakanda’s land of wonder and might, there shines a star so bright. Her talent and grace, a true delight.”
Letitia Wright, the Black Panther, has come home to Guyana and her impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
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Joseph Omoniyi
