Captain America himself, Anthony Mackie, made a special appearance at Dillard University on Friday, Feb. 14, having an inspiring discussion with students about how growing up in New Orleans and embracing his roots has shaped his journey in Hollywood.
“Always tell people I grew up in the Seventh Ward, I live in the Seventh Ward and when I die, I will be buried in the Seventh Ward. That’s important to me, you know. Because you always see people talk about their hood and put on for their city. Then they leave their hood and their city, and later, come back and give out turkeys,” he said.
New Orleans artist, Brandan “BMike” Odums, led the discussion and asked questions about the importance of community and the value of friends and family. The conversation also highlights the importance of portraying a new era of a heroic figure on the big screen.
“My dad was strong on steady. He was the most aggressive human being I ever met in my life, but he had his word. When I look at the lineage of men that I come from, when I look at my two brothers, they’re honorable men. They keep their word. My brothers have done more for New Orleans than anybody could ever think, question or imagine.” Mackie stated. “I’ve always had those super beings in my life, so I’ve been fortunate. Sam Wilson was so much of an amazing character and he’s just another drop in the line of legacy of great men that l’ve had before me. That’s real, that’s a privilege for sure,” he emphasized.
Two Dillard University scholars, Kahari Mercadel, a sophomore film major, and Noah Oliver, a sophomore criminal justice major, participated in the event.
“I personally think it’s really cool to see a black man on a pedestal like that winning,“ said Mercadel. “He’s playing Captain America, the dude who represents America and being a black man. That’s really cool, especially for the community being a little kid looking up and seeing it,“ he continued.
Building on Mercadel’s experience, Oliver emphasized the need to stay true to yourself and embrace your upbringing.
“I think it was a very personal experience. It felt like I was sitting here and having a conversation with somebody on that type of level. And it was cool just seeing how they naturally are when they’re not acting. It was cool seeing that he actually shows off where he’s from,” Oliver said.
Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Brave New World is in theaters now, with Sam Wilson (The Falcon) taking on the mantle of Captain America.
“It hits differently when you come back to your neighborhood, your city,“ said Mackie. “You realize that everything you experienced and grew to achieve, you never saw it happen here. That’s why I come back here and I want people to see me here,“ he clarified.
