Letitia Wright receives honorary doctorate from UG, takes Guyana by storm

Letitia Wright, actress of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s film “Black Panther” was bestowed an Honorary Doctorate of Letters and the Arts from the University of Guyana, and delivered compelling acceptance speech, after the superstar was welcome back to her homeland on the evening of Jan. 27.

The 29-year-old, star of the franchise, for which she received several accolades and lit up the screen in the recently released “Wakanda Forever,” a blockbuster movie, was greeted with drumming, steelpan music, and resounding applause as she stepped off a flight from London with family members.

She was overwhelmed with emotions, after being entertained, and lauded for her exceptional achievements in Hollywood by Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond.

Black Panther star Letitia Wright strikes a pose with the National Dance Company which entertained her when she arrived with family members at Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Jan. 27. Photo by Guyana Department of Public Information

Wearing dark shades, Wright recalled her sadness having to leave friends and relatives behind and boarding a plane to her new home in the United Kingdom at age 8, but exalted her passion for acting, and the successful career she now leads, and said, “I am just thankful for the welcome. You guys went above and beyond to show me love.”

In a video viewed by this reporter, Wright spoke of what she felt at the age of eight. “God had a way of allowing everything, but I didn’t know that I would go away for so long. As I was landing, I was remembering that little girl and how frustrated she was in not knowing how much she would miss her country,” recalled the actress who ultimately became an international celebrity.

“I just went to the UK and used the opportunity and God aligned me with acting. I was in my yard in ‘Good Intent’ singing Backstreet Boys’ songs. I would just be singing, dancing, and acting, not knowing that God would use that in the years to come to inspire other people,” she told a captivating audience at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.  “I am proud to be Guyanese. I have always celebrated the fact that I am Guyanese. I celebrate that more than anything,” said Wright, who emerged as the new Black Panther character in “Wakanda Forever,” replacing deceased actor, Chadwick Bosman.

President Irfaan Ali presents Black Panther star, Letitia Wright with a picture of Guyana’s national animal, the Jaguar at State House, during her visit to her homeland, after leaving at age eight. Photo by Guyana Department of Public Information

The “Sing 2,” “Death on the Nile,” “The Silent Twins,” “Ready Play One,” “Aisha,” “Avengers End Game,” “Mangrove,” “Urban Hymn,” and “Guava Island,” actress, who was invited to visit her homeland last November by President Irfaan Ali, was described as an inspiration to others by First Lady Arya Ali.

Mrs. Ali, who posted pictures of the two embracing on her Facebook page, as she welcomed Wright, wrote: “Welcoming home our very own Letitia Wright, or what many of us prefer to call her, the Black Panther. Incredible few minutes interacting with this humble daughter of the soil who is here to explore her motherland, share her experiences and create memories with us over the next few days.”

“Letitia is an inspiration to every little child in Guyana with a dream. Her story inspires us to work hard and never quit on those dreams. We celebrate her today and always. Welcome home, Black Panther,” states the Facebook post.

The actress who toured Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development was also seen being delighted at the historic Stabroek Market Square, the Square of the Revolution (Cuffy), and thanks to Captain Gerry Gouveia of Roraima Travel, the queen of ‘Wakanda’ visited the majestic Kaieteur Waterfalls. She also returned to her primary school on the West Coast, educational institutions, and held workshops and talks with members of the artistic community at the National Cultural Center, and the Theater Guild Playhouse.

Mayor Ubraj Narine presents the Key to the City of Georgetown to Black Panther star Letitia Wright.

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.

Facebook fan, Kapohn, summed it up correctly in his poem that reads: “In Wakanda’s land of wonder and might, there shines a star so bright. Her talent and grace, a true delight. Letitia Wright what a sight. With power and grace, she brings Shuri to life. A fierce warrior, a sharp wit, up against strife. She brings depth and soul to the screen. Her talent, unmatched. It can be seen.”

Continued success! Letitia Wright.