As a comic book lover and avid reader, I must say this hurt more than you’ll ever know as we all got the news regarding the devastating loss of Chadwick Boseman, who had fought his battle of Colon Cancer for the last four years.
Although many loved the film, Black Panther was more than just another Marvel franchise. It was a movement and especially a prideful moment for the African American Community.
Finally, we had a superhero other than Storm. Despite knowing that Wakanda wasn’t real, the mere existence of Wakanda in our minds and seeing it on screen, made us all feel like royalty and gave us hope.
Boseman and many others helped bring about a feeling we will never forget.
Black Panther was an empowering moment for every girl and boy. Ryan Coogler showed us that you have to comprise yourself to have a blockbuster film. This film could have easily been uncomfortable for any minority director, with having to take charge on a visual, that would later go on to impact not only our black community, but the world itself.
As up and coming entertainers, we’re taught how we are always having to fit into a specific mold. Black Panther revealed to us that you could be unapologetically black and proud about it.
We are grateful to have had the opportunity to have experienced this magnitude of art on screen that reflects me and our culture, yet still reaches people on a universal level.
Chadwick Boseman played such a historical figure in the comic books. T’Challa, mainly became the fixation for millions of black little boy’s and men, who never had a superhero to represent themselves.
When I heard and read the news of his sudden passing, I decided to watch lots of footage on him, and what stood out the most to me was Boseman’s greeting to children and celebrities in what is now celebrated as the “Wakanda Greeting.” This greeting of placing the arms over the chest, brought about so much pride and confidence among African Americans both young and old.
Mr. Chadwick Boseman may be resting in peace, and we may have lost such a historical king, but his legacy will live on!
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