On Friday night, a soulful, encouraging, versatile actor and a true king left this Earth. A king that most of us knew through his on-screen performances; portraying iconic voices and personalities that left a mark on so many people, specifically for the African American community. That king that we refer to, we call him king because of his most important and recognized performance as King T’Challa, Marvel’s superhero, Black Panther. That king was Chadwick Boseman.
In the last 24 hours, the world has overwhelmingly sent numerous beautiful, messages to the family, friends, and everyone who knew Chadwick. But for us, the fans, the ones who enjoyed the light that shined through his performances, who felt excitement, and kept all eyes on him when he gave some memorable speeches, are also mourning.
A true superhero is recognized mostly by his/her actions, benevolently extending their hands for the hopeless ones. Superheroes put aside their battles to help the ones who are in need but also are ones who find words of encouragement even when they're facing the greatest challenges. As we have seen on the big screen or read in a comic book, a superhero’s journey is one where they lead by example, with the commitment of giving all they got to fulfill their purpose.
As we have been reading, that was Chadwick’s journey. Battling with colon cancer for the last four years while putting on the suit and mask of a superhero to remind us that representation matters, and to give hope to those young men and women. Because of his words, actions, and legacy, now these young people who find many roadblocks in their lives to achieve their dreams, can look up and say: "we matter, we are HERE".
Chadwick never took for granted his position in society and in Hollywood, confirmed by all the stories that some of his colleagues have shared, and the many more that will follow. He touched so many lives as a philanthropist and an honest voice for every African American and the entire Black community all over the world. Today we mourn the passing of a true king and hero; who left us in a very critical moment, in one of our worst times as a country, calling for his voice. Thank you, Chadwick. We will try to follow that lead, voice, strength, and warrior spirit you left. And as Anne Hathaway wrote: “Thank you for leaving this world better than you found it”.
Rest in Power, King.
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