Actor Chadwick Boseman ‘King of Wakanda’ was a Symbol of that which is Possible

Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman

There comes a moment in history when a work of art reaches far and wide, and connects a people on every nook of the earth. For many, such was the impact of Black Panther – a marvel movie released in 2018 that told the story of Blacks as Blacks would love their stories told. Black Panther spoke of (and most importantly to) – a people that are regal and beautiful, fierce but compassionate; strong, in touch with their ancestral beliefs and united.

Although it portrayed what has been described as an African utopia (a world that is imagined and perfect) known as Wakanda, Black Panther resonated with many people of African descent because deep down, we understood that had our existence not been so severely disrupted by the likes of slavery and colonization, those are the kinds of communities our ancestors would have built.

At the heart of this historic movie was an actor named Chadwick Boseman (now of blessed memory) who played the role of T’Challa, a Prince who fought hard and overcame some major obstacles to become the esteemed King of Wakanda.

Boseman acted alongside Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Daniel Kaluuya, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker and others.

The Passing of a Legend

Chatwick Boseman, actor

It was thus with much sadness that we learned on the evening of August 28, 2020 that Chadwick Boseman had transitioned at the early age of 43 after battling colon cancer.

In fact, I found out from my 15 year-old son who sent me a text message saying, “Hey mommy, did you see the guy who acts Black Panther died.”

“How could he die?” was my immediate reaction.

I was one of thousands of parents who took their kids to watch Black Panther. I remember that day clearly, we went on Mother’s Day the year the movie was released. After watching the movie, we had numerous conversations about the story, during which I reminded my kids of the greatness they come from and the greatness that they are.

Like many I was shocked, surprised and saddened by the news of Chadwick Boseman’s passing.

The official statement of death on the actor’s Facebook page reads:

It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.⁣
Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV. ⁣
A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. ⁣
It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. ⁣
He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. ⁣
The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.

As would be expected, there has been a huge outpouring of love, sadness and respect for the beloved actor:

 

 

 

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Kamala Harris also posted a heartfelt tribute in which she wrote, “Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family.” Harris shared a photo (below) of herself with the actor.

It is worth noting that Boseman had posted this same picture of himself and Senator Harris on his Facebook and Twitter pages on August 11. It was the actor’s last posting before his death was announced 17 days later. It read:
“YES Kamala Harris! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
#WhenWeAllVote #Vote2020″

Chatwick Boseman, Kamala Harris

(Image courtesy Chadwick Boseman’s Facebook page)

Honoring the Works of Legends while they are still alive.

Two years ago The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon aired a segment on Black Panther fans sharing how the movie had impacted them. To their surprise, the King himself was there to share some hugs and big smiles.

Watch this video and feel its beautiful vibes:

The King Of Wakanda

Chadwick Boseman was born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina. After tracing his African ancestral roots, the award-winning actor had found a DNA connection to the Krio people of Sierra Leone, and Yoruba people of Nigeria.

As many of our readers are aware, DUNIA Magazine is passionate about creating connections between people of African descent – continental-born Africans, African Americans, Caribbean Americans and all. DUNIA regularly organizes community events bringing together these groups to share conversations for a better understanding of each other.

Two years ago, our Conversations event held in Atlanta centered around Black Panther. So, when the King of Wakanda said to South Africa’s Trevor Noah that, “This movie creates a story that we all share”, he was spot-on.

Watch Chadwick Boseman conversate with Trevor Noah:

 

The life, energy and impact of  Chatwick Boseman’s work was truly significant, and will remain so for generations to come. Many across the world are feeling his loss in their hearts because he touched many hearts. Chatwick Boseman was more than an actor; he was a symbol of that which is or could be possible.

In our African tradition of Aghem-Wum in Cameroon where I come from, a king does not die. Our people say “he is missing”. Not missing as in lost, but that he is no longer present in the physical form.

We extend heartfelt condolences to the wife, family and friends of Chadwick Boseman. And we pray for his peaceful transition. May the ancestors receive him with open arms.

#WakandaForever

Lema is on Twitter: @LemaAbeng; website: www.lemaabeng.com

 

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