Chadwick Boseman was More Than the Black Panther
His legacy will inspire Generations.
It’s taken me weeks to write this story about Chadwick Boseman. Honestly, the state of the world has dampened my enthusiasm to write. Usually, for me, its the opposite. I can’t wait to write my commentary on the state of matters. However, now I am mentally and spiritually drained. It isn’t easy finding happiness or positivity.
When Boseman died, something in me wilted. A young man was taken from us by an insidious disease that devastates thousands of families a year. Black Americans are 20 percent more likely to die from colorectal cancer than any other race in America. The man known for playing iconic roles had a limited chance of surviving a stage three cancer diagnosis. It seems Black people can’t win on any battlefield; whether it’s a social and racial justice, education, or health, its always a struggle.
However, Chadwick was an inspiration. A star for us to follow across a dark sky. He gave us hope through the iconic characters he chose to play. He was Jackie, Marshall, James Brown, and ultimately Black Panther. Pimps, players, and drug pushers were roles he would never consider. His art added to the African Diaspora and exemplified the best in Black America. Black tropes and stereotypes were not on his radar.
Chadwick silently offered hope to us with each film he created while battling a disease he knew would most likely kill him. However, he carried on in the face of mortality.
He produced “21 Bridges” and starred in it. I don’t understand how a man suffering from a horrible disease could do the stunts or withstand the rigors of a shooting schedule, but he did.
He crossed his heart, screaming Wakanda forever, creating dreams in little black boys and girls’ minds. He gave us the Black Panther so we could have hope in a new day for Black Americans.
He went and visited children with cancer. No one knew he suffered from the very same disease. However, while dealing with pain and chemo, he provided hope to kids in need. If that isn’t the illustration of leadership in adversity, I don’t know what is. We should all strive to live our lives in such a manner. If we provide a small bit of lightness in the darkness, then we have done our duty to humanity.
When I spoke to my students about Chadwick’s death, I could see the disappointment in their eyes. I work with incarcerated kids, and expressions of intense emotion don’t come easy. However, through our conversation, I knew they were hurt about his passing.
Not only the Black community but the world as a whole lost an important person who tried to use his gifts for the education and betterment of humankind. He left a legacy that will enrich human lives for decades.
I can’t wait to share the “Black Panther” with my grandkids and watch them enjoy the heroic exploits of a Black hero. We must finally remember that Ryan Coogler’s masterpiece spoke on current social issues in the African American community. Racism and inequality were the underpinnings of the entire narrative. The pain and suffering in the ghettoes of America were on full display on the screen.
Yes, we lost an icon, but he did what he could to advance black thought and ideas, and we as a nation must honor Chadwick for the cinematic treasure he left for humanity to enjoy.
Below is a poem I wrote for the children who lost a hero and a role model.
A Black Child’s Ode to Black Panther
Kids suffering in the hood
Searching for good
Then the Panther came
And changed the game
Gave a superhero a black name
He strode in ebony
Regal in gait
Attacking stereotypes
And replacing with faith
A good future a black child could make
King T’Challa wasn’t fake
A salute crossed chests
Made young people be their best
All over the world he was laid to rest
small hearts ached for a black man
Who did all he can
To open eyes to the gift of melanin
And African American relevance
Estacious(Charles White) is a 23-year educator. He began writing over 25 years ago. His work experience encompasses managing schools and teaching a variety of subjects. His passions are poetry, short fiction, playwrighting, and non-fiction. He won one of six prizes in the Rockford play festival for his play “Incarcerated Christmas.” He is married with three children and a native of New Orleans. Email: [email protected]