Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee spent his Sunday at the movies with a lot of new friends.
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"I just want to thank everyone for coming out. I'm glad I could be part of this," he said.
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McGee sponsored a trip for a big group of Oakland youngsters to see the top grossing film in the world right now.
"We're going to see Black Panther."
The Marvel movie portrays the heroic citizens of a rich, technologically advanced African nation, with a king who doubles as a superhero.
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McGee says it puts out a positive message. "It just felt right, just because it's an all-black movie, and all-black director. I feel that's just empowering and touching for kids in the inner city to see," he said.
RELATED: 'Black Panther' director has Oakland roots
Some of the older kids were equally excited at meeting the 7-footer known for his energy on the court and his thunderous alley-oop dunks.
"Pretty exciting 'cause like, he's somebody famous and I see him on TV, and to stand right next to him is kind of shocking," said one of the kids who went.
RELATED: $300,000+ raised for kids to see 'Black Panther'
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"I've already seen the movie, but I'm going to go see it again with the kids, it's an amazing movie," McGee said.
"Black panther" was king of the box office for a third straight weekend. The film has now grossed $500 million domestically, the third fastest film to reach that amount.
RELATED: Why 'Black Panther' means so much to African-Americans
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