The release of the eagerly-anticipated American film “Black Panther” is just hours away. It’s based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. The movie is expected to be the first global superhero blockbuster to feature a mostly black cast and an African American director. The flick centers around the fictional African land of Wakanda and its protector, the Black Panther.

Community leaders we spoke with say they’re excited and hopeful about what kind of message moviegoers will receive, especially the younger crowd.

There are numerous local showings of the “Black Panther” starting this evening. Many of the shows are sold out or nearly sold out.

And in conjunction with the film, there will be a special fundraiser for both the Wisconsin Black Historical Society and America’s Black Holocaust Museum this Sunday around 7pm at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society off Center Street in Milwaukee.