News broke out late last night on August 28, 2020 that actor, Chadwick Boseman, had passed away. He had been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer about 4 years ago. He died with his family and wife by his side.
Chadwick Boseman was perhaps one of the most influential actors of this generation. His role in inspiring young black Americans that they could be anything they wanted to be, is perhaps the most valuable thing he leaves behind. Chadwick Boseman made kids realize that anyone can be a superhero, in a time when they needed it most.
Black Panther Leading a Change
Representation for the black community in cinema had been a controversial talking point with many. Their lack of representation was apparent but there was little that seemed to be in the works to address it. One ray of hope was when it was announced that Black Panther would get a stand alone film.
Chadwick Boseman first appeared as Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War. That was then followed by the announcement for his stand alone film. It caused some controversy with some of the Marvel fan community because some aren’t the most progressive viewers.
Black Panther Gets Nod From Academy
Once the movie came out in 2018, it broke countless records which further sparked the controversy. But the film was nominated for 7 Oscars including Best Picutre. That came just after the Academy was accused of unfairly favoring white actors.
This again was met by more controversy in the film community because some believed that black actors and filmmakers were being unfairly chosen over other works. One thing I have to point out, this is one of the most idiotic arguments I have ever heard.
The black community has been consistently underrepresented in films and they have had their work undervalued as well, but Chadwick Boseman was the face against this movement. One might even say that it is because of him that we are starting to see a bit more representation from the black community.
Chadwick Boseman’s Legacy
Michael B. Jordan and Anthony Mackie have both made great strides in being taken more seriously in the acting community. Chadwick Boseman could be attributed slightly to this. He has paved the way for others to be taken more seriously because Chadwick Boseman was the actor that made everyone realize that a black actor can be the star of a major box office movie.
Chadwick Boseman was the inspiration behind thousands of young black kids dressing up as Black Panther. It is important that these kids have fictional idols that transcend reality because they need the space to dream.
Chadwick Boseman was only 43 years old. He graduated from Howard University in 2000. And he starred in many films that will stand the test of time. Some of those being 42, Marshall, and Black Panther to name a few.
Please take some time to reflect. Appreciate his work and what it stood for.
Thank you for your work Chadwick Boseman. I hope you rest easy.
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