Chadwick Boseman: A true superhero on and off camera

On August 28, 2020, The world lost a true hero.

Where do I even begin?  The impact his character had on young Black kids everywhere was incredible. I’m not sure we’ll ever be able to relive the feeling his charter invoked again. He was truly legendary and his memory will continue in our hearts.

On October 16, 2017, Marvel released the first official trailer for Black Panther. The energy that followed was surreal.

This viral video is one that I will always remember. In the video, my classmates and I found out that we were going to see Black Panther. I remember the screams of excitement and joy that rippled throughout the room. I remember seeing our video everywhere and becoming even more excited.

We hosted an African themed dinner and gathering the day before we went. The entire school came together and celebrated our rich African history. At the event, dashikis and traditional jewelry were being sold, and everyone bought them to wear on the special day.

So there we were, 120 excited little Black kids running into a movie theater dressed like this:

We were so proud. We sat in the theatre and laughed, cried and clapped together in our traditional African clothes and we loved every single minute of it. That day was magical. 

That was one of the most special memories I have from that movie. But this moment meant so much to so many young black kids everywhere. This was the first time so many black children were able to look at a screen and say “he looks like me”. This was Marvel’s first Black superhero and they pulled it off fabulously. The writing, the location, the graphics, it was all so perfect. As a second-generation Nigerian girl, I never imagined having a superhero that shared my background and culture.

That Halloween, I saw so many Black Panthers. Little Black kids everywhere lit up in their jet black costumes as they fully embraced their first Black superhero. It was incredible. Knowing that one person truly inspired multiple generations of Black people everywhere is so powerful.

Chadwick played this powerful character for three movies and continues to be an inspiration in all of his roles. He had stage three colon cancer the entire time. 

This is Chadwick with a cancer patient at Saint Jude. He was still receiving treatment for his own cancer at the time.

Chadwick Boseman had to hide his illness in order to even play the role of Black Panther. He played a strong Black superhero who could lead his people through anything, all while he silently fought his own battle. Chadwick put aside his own health to play a role that he knew would inspire black children everywhere. He truly put his life into his work. Strong is an understatement.

I haven't forgotten how relentless social media was about his appearance. Chadwick was undergoing chemotherapy, and his illness had caused him to lose a dramatic amount of weight. Comments about this flooded social media and not once did he mention anything about his illness. Imagine filming three marvel movies while undergoing chemo and having social media tease you for something they have no idea is happening. As cliche as this may sound, you really never know what someone is going through. He kept something so vital from the public so that he would always appear strong. Be kind to people.

The world is so hurt that we’ve lost someone so special, but I am so thankful we got to experience the magic he brought to everyone’s lives. You may have played a fictional superhero on screen, but your spirit and selflessness makes you a real superhero.

Thank you, Chadwick.

Rest in peace and power

“Press on with pride. Press on with purpose” - Chadwick Boseman 

Take care of yourselves

- Elliott☆