Yesterday, we received the devastating news that Chadwick Boseman has passed away after battling colon cancer. To the world, the news was a great shock; we had no idea that this man was fighting for his life for the past four years. How could we? Chadwick was constantly on the screen giving brilliant performances that gave no tale-tell signs that he was in any way sick. He truly will be missed and cherished.
My first introduction to Chadwick's phenomenal skills was through my baby brother. I was home for the summer in the year of 2013. Baby bro excitedly told me about this movie based on Jackie Robinson. I had no clue what he was talking about. Yet, he insisted that I watch it. While I knew the story of Jackie Robinson, I realized that it was possibly the first time my 11-year-old brother has seen a man that looks like him on screen. The story had a huge impact on him. So did Chadwick. For years, I listened to how great the movie and actor was.
A few short years later, we were blessed to see Chadwick in the most fantastic role to the Black Community and most importantly to my baby brother. Chadwick graced us with his depiction as the Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War. At this point in my life, I had to watch each and every Marvel just to be able to keep up with my brothers' interests. At 14-years-old, baby bro was hot off of leaving the eight grade. His excitement in the story came in harder as he saw his childhood favorite as the first black male superhero in his lifetime. I'll admit that even I had goosebumps watching Chadwick as the future king of Wakanda. He stole every scene that he was in. Sure, his accent was a bit shaky but the man had presence! Also quite good looking. We couldn't wait until Black Panther dropped in theaters. Civil War came just months after my family and I enjoyed a marathon of Star Wars movies that ushered in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Again, baby bro was ecstatic to see a young black man starring in a movie. Actually not just any movie but a Star Wars movie. He grew up on the prequels and sequels; now he is able to see another young man, who looks like him, on-screen, and wields a lightsaber. We went all out for the event, each one of us dressed as a Jedi or Sith but baby bro was the one and only Finn. He looked exactly like Finn, just a few years younger. I watched him enjoy the festivities of the night, saunter up and down the aisles of the movie theater, reveling in being Finn's twin.
During his freshman and sophomore years of high school, baby bro was becoming a young man. His interests were his Instagram fan page that features everything DC, Marvel, and Star Wars affiliated, soccer, video games, and (not to my surprise) acting. Videos were made and living room performances were given. I cheered and encouraged him to enjoy every nerdy platform that he could showcase his talents. Then finally, the Black Panther movie dropped. Masks were bought and tickets went on sale quickly. So much of our culture was featured on the screen. Baby bro watched the movie several times in the theater. He dressed up for each show. Chadwick spoke in an accent and spoke a language from our home country, South Africa. It was Mr. Boseman's depiction of an intelligent and prideful African man that influenced my baby bro. He had so much honor in being who he was. For months, he carried himself like he was the future king of Wakanda. He perfected his accent, practiced Xhosa, and flaunted that he was from South Africa. My heart swelled as I watched him be his hero and have a self-image that is near to par with Chadwick Boseman.
Now, I would be lying if I were to say that I didn't enjoy Black Panther as much as the kid. I dressed up to look like a royal for the premiere showing in my hometown. I marveled at and enjoyed the scenes that were depicted on the big screen. There was nothing better than seeing Africa and Black actors in all their splendor. I purchased the album inspired by the movie, blasting it for weeks on end. Baby bro relished in playing the songs whenever he got into my car after a game or practice. We both agreed that my car should be aptly named T'Challa, as it is as smooth and beautiful as the man it is named after. I had chats with many about the cultural significance of the movie and character. This movie impacted all Black people around the world.
Then we had to endure the death of King T'Challa during Avengers: Infinity War. We were appalled that we were given a Black superhero, only to have him taken away too soon. Life hushed us. However, I was blessed to have a sibling that could reenact scenes from various Marvel movies. Baby bro decided to take his act to the stage. There were weekend openings that he danced and flipped through, as well as the 24hr shows were he has hours to learn a script and embody that character. I couldn't help but be at each production after spending weeks, years, encouraging the boy to pursue his dreams. You bet that I was yelling his name. Each time. Now my young thespian is a freshman studying film in college.
I would be blind if I didn't recognize the influence that Chadwick Boseman had on my baby bro. He practically grew up watching Mr. Boseman grow as an actor and become the superhero we all craved for. Not only did he touch baby bro but many kids and Blerds alike. All of us were hoping for more possibly a decade's worth of Chadwick as the titular Black Panther. Not to mention any other character that was given to him on a script. It is beyond unfortunate that we lost him so soon. Chadwick Boseman pushed through years of colon cancer to give us, his fans, the best of what he had. His demeanor was quiet yet when he stepped in front of a camera, it was electrifying. Mr. Boseman was uplifting.
The best I can do is thank him for the past several years of his life. His rousing performances gave life to my baby bro. A role model that I never expected but welcomed openly. Baby bro is heartbroken by this passing. His hero is gone. However, baby bro and many others have opportunities that were paved by King Panther. For that, I am forever grateful.
Hamba Kahle Chadwick Boseman. We love you dearly. I do hope we make you proud.
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