“Go after it!” – Black Panther star to students on chasing their dreams
…to be conferred with honorary doctorate from UG today
Guyanese-born British actress Letitia Wright on Tuesday engaged students from various schools across the country where she spoke about the struggles she has faced in her journey to success as she encouraged the starstruck audience of young people to never give up on their dreams.
Wright, famously known for her role in the Black Panther movie franchise, returned to her homeland on Friday night.
On Tuesday, she attended a special programme in her honour hosted at the Queen’s College auditorium where she witnessed a cultural programme and interacted with students from over 40 secondary schools countrywide.
Prior to her visit at Queen’s College, she visited Patentia Primary School, West Bank Demerara.
In delivering remarks to the crowd, Wright reminded that it is important for young people to never feel inadequate.
“God made us all equal and with the opportunity to thrive,” she expressed.
“Whatever it is you wanna do…go after it…put 110% into it!”
Wright revealed that she faced several hurdles in her journey to success, with many people telling her that she could never make it. In this regard, she reminded the youths that anything is possible with hard work.
“I just want to encourage anyone that feels unseen, not heard, not loved …I wanna encourage any child here that just wished someone would see them…you are wonderfully made, you have purpose in this life, I want to encourage you as you journey through life, it’s not going to be easy.”
“Keep chasing after your dreams.”
Wright was born in Guyana and migrated to the United Kingdom at the age of eight.
“I am the daughter of this soil, I am Guyanese, I am so proud to be Guyanese,” Wright told the crowd.
Wright is on a visit to Guyana at the invitation of President Dr Irfaan Ali.
On Friday last, Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond and First Lady Arya Ali also welcomed Wright at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, calling her an inspiration for children in Guyana to follow their dreams.
On Saturday, she visited the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development and on Sunday the majestic Kaieteur Falls. She was also taken on a tour of the city and had several engagements with drama and production groups in the country.
Today she is expected to receive the key to the city from the Mayor of Georgetown, and also be conferred with an honorary doctorate from the University of Guyana.
Back in November, President Irfaan Ali had congratulated Wright on the success of Wakanda Forever, the sequel of Black Panther, and had extended an invitation for her to visit her homeland.
Wright co-starred in the 2018 film Black Panther, playing the role of Shuri, King T’Challa’s sister and princess of Wakanda.
She reprised the role in Avengers: Infinity War, which was released two months later.
Wright then returned as Shuri for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which depicts Shuri becoming the new Black Panther following the death of T’Challa. This film marked her first leading role.
Wright had also appeared alongside Donald Glover and Rihanna in Guava Island, a short musical film released by Amazon Studios.