Ta-Nehisi Coates to speak at 'Black Panther' screening in Oakland

FILE -- Author Ta-Nehisi Coates in his native Baltimore in this July 16, 2015 file photo. He'll be speaking at Oakland's Grand Lake Theater on February 20. FILE -- Author Ta-Nehisi Coates in his native Baltimore in this July 16, 2015 file photo. He'll be speaking at Oakland's Grand Lake Theater on February 20. Photo: GABRIELLA DEMCZUK Photo: GABRIELLA DEMCZUK Image 1 of / 13 Caption Close Ta-Nehisi Coates to speak at 'Black Panther' screening in Oakland 1 / 13 Back to Gallery

Author, journalist and comic book writer Ta-Nehisi Coates recently told comedian Marc Maron that he relates to T'Challa, the fictional character that goes by the name Black Panther in Marvel Comics.

Like T'Challa, Coates was bestowed with a position and responsibility that he has resisted. With T'Challa, it was his inheritance of the throne of the fictional nation Wakanda. For Coates, it was the anointment as one of America's premier public intellectuals after his 2015 book Between the World and Me was released.

They both also have their detractors, people coming for the throne. In "Black Panther," it's Killmonger, a Wakandan exile who seeks to overthrow T'Challa and is played by Michael B. Jordan. Coates has had several other public intellectuals critique his work, most recently Cornel West.

WATCH: Actor Sterling K. Brown on the importance of 'Black Panther' film (story continues below)

He also recently wrote a widely acclaimed and top selling series of "Black Panther" comics for Marvel. The series was key in building momentum for the character leading up the upcoming release of the Marvel film about T'Challa and his complicated relationship with Wakanda, and the idea of royalty in general. It's set for a nationwide release in theaters on Feb. 16. Some theaters are showing the film the night before.

The film, which was directed by Oakland-native Ryan Coogler, has already broken the record for pre-sale tickets for a Marvel movie.

Now, Coates and "Black Panther" will share a stage in Coogler's hometown for a reading of the author's new book.

Coates is appearing at Oakland's Grand Lake Theater on Tuesday, Feb. 20 to read and promote his new book We Were Eight Years in Power prior to a screening of Marvel's "Black Panther." The event is being organized by Lincoln, an Oakland-based nonprofit that provides support to children and families that have experienced poverty and trauma.

After Coates reads from his book, he'll participate in a conversation moderated by Dr. Macheo Payne of Lincoln, followed by a Q&A and screening of "Black Panther."

The event, which costs $40 for the general public, is sold out, but there is a waitlist for those still interested in attending. For all of those who don't want to wait, Grand Lake Theater still has tickets available for its Thursday, Feb. 15 premier of the film.