The Legacy of Chadwick Boseman and Black Panther
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Originally I’d planned to send out an entirely different newsletter this week, it was even scheduled and ready to go. But for obvious reasons, I was more compelled to write and publish this one. On Friday just gone, Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman lost his battle with colon cancer, and the world lost a real life superhero. In 2016 Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer, and he fought it for the last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV. Throughout his battle he gave us Black Panther, Civil War, Infinity War, Endgame, Thurgood, Marshall, 21 Bridges and Da 5 Bloods - he gave us these movies back to back all whilst wrestling with his illness. We never saw him complain, we never saw his suffering, and we never saw his pain. For years he was fighting for his life right in front of our very eyes, yet we had no clue.
It’s hard to find the right words to make sense of things like this, it just feels like another blow in the midst of everything else going on right now. All I can say is I’m incredibly grateful to have witnessed such strength, bravery, and courage. What Chadwick Boseman gave us was immeasurable. So thank you Mr Boseman, thank you.
“All of us up here know - to be young, gifted and Black - we all know what it's like to be told that there is not a place for you to be featured, yet you are young, gifted and Black. We know what it’s like to be told there's not a screen for you to be featured on, a stage for it to be featured on. We know what it’s like to be the tail and not the head. We know what it’s like to be beneath and not above.” - Chadwick Boseman
For Black kids, Black teenagers, Black adults, and even Black elders, Black Panther did something for Black culture that no other movie has done before. It gave us a place to be seen, to be heard, and it gave us something to relate too. The joy and healing that took place in the film, and what the film stood for will forever leave a lasting impression on me. Finally, a Black story being told by Black people. Director Ryan Coogler showcased Black joy, Black agony, and Black heartbreak in such a powerful way. I’ve never seen a movie in my lifetime with so many who looked like me, people who I could look up to, a movie that sparked a real depth of emotions within me, and I know millions of Black people across the globe felt the same way.
Do you understand how much of a defining moment Black Panther was for Black culture? Black Panther was and will always be a cultural milestone, earning more than $1.3 billion dollars at the global box office. Chadwick Boseman burst onto the scene playing the leading character, and even though his tenure as an actor brought us many incredible films prior to this, he was best known for his starring role as King T’Challa - THE Black Panther. Boseman was the first superhero Black kids could really identify with and relate to, he’s a huge reason why they don’t have to wonder what a Black superhero is. That kind of legacy is unmatched. As he said himself, Boseman changed what it means to be "young, gifted and black".
“Fearlessness means taking the first step, even if you don’t know where it will take you. It means being driven by a higher purpose, rather than by applause. It means knowing that you reveal your character when you stand apart, more than when you stand with the crowd” - Chadwick Boseman
I shed silent tears whilst writing this, this one just hit differently. It really is true what they say, you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. Chadwick’s illness wasn’t known to the public, and he worked steadily filming hit movies in-between surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy. I think this enormous loss serves as a huge reminder you never know what battles people are facing in private - so be gentle, be considerate, be kind. Be compassionate and empathetic.
Amongst the sadness, the grief, the complete shock and disbelief that we’re experiencing right now, knowing that Chadwick Boseman continued to throw himself into role after role whilst battling what turned out to be a fatal disease, that leaves a lasting impression that’ll never be forgotten. Thank you for gifting us with your greatness in the midst of such a painful struggle, thank you for showing us what real humility and grace looks like. Thank you for reminding us how precious life is. WAKANDA FOREVER!
Rest in perfect power King Boseman.
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Twitter to see more of what I’m up to, and I’ll see you same time same place next week!
Catch you soon,
J’Nae
WHAT I’VE BEEN READING:
- This article by The New York Times from January 2019 interviewing Chadwick Boseman is a good one, even then he was fighting his fight yet we were none the wiser. I highly suggest taking the time out to read it.
WHAT I’VE BEEN WATCHING:
- I think it goes without saying given the topic of this newsletter, but Black Panther is a must-watch movie. For the culture, for the superhero vibes, for a look into a different type of Marvel universe, watch it now.
WHAT I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO:
- ‘All The Stars’ by Kendrick Lamar ft Sza is the ultimate Black Panther soundtrack, whenever I hear it I get chills as I know the power this song has. It’s such an anthem. When you next listen to it, take the time to really listen to the lyrics.
WHAT’S CAUGHT MY EYE:
- This incredibly clever black and white painting by @bouboudesign_ is a tribute to Chadwick Boseman, and instead of using a paintbrush he uses a single rose to craft the entire piece of artwork. Genius, and beautiful. Shoutout to my stepdad for putting this on my radar.
ON MY BLOG:
- A while back, shortly after Black Panther was released, I wrote this article for XXY Magazine discussing reinventing Black cinema with Black Panther. Have a read and let me know what you think.