Black Panther was easily the most prominent movie released in 2018.
There are many people I spoke to, following the release of Black Panther, who told me that it was the greatest movie they had ever seen. I remember the smile on my young cousin’s face as the credits were rolling in the cinema. As well as being a heavily discussed topic in my barbershop at the time. Needless to say, the movie was a huge inspiration to many people, particularly in the black community, as it was an astounding representation of our culture, heritage and pride.
Chadwick Boseman’s role was extremely significant in this, he was a king, a leader. He was the face behind the Black Panther and a hero for the kids to look up to. Kids across the globe recognise the crossing of their arms to mean ‘Wakanda forever’ and Boseman hugely inspired that.
Boseman’s symbol as a leader had a greater significance than merely a fictional one, as the fictional nation he led in the movie ‘Wakanda’ was the most powerful and technologically advanced nation in the world. This may not seem like such a big deal, however, if we consider that traditional movies have always been dictated by western culture, particularly by Marvel who have almost always set their movies in the United States, Black Panther majorly altered this; for once the movie was focused entirely on various African cultures and there are even circumstances throughout where western culture is criticised in a comedic manner.
This completely changed my perspective of the movie, from just another Marvel superhero movie to one which defied expectations and challenged our perspective of cultural norms. The movie was a huge inspiration to the black community as it collectively empowered each and every one of us; and from my personal experience, it felt as though our culture, ancestry and heritage was becoming ever more recognised and more appreciated.
Boseman was hugely iconic in his role as the Black Panther, so much so that he will not be forgotten as the face of the Black Panther, as he was so good at his role in the movie that everyone will recognise him as T’Challa for generations to come. He truly was an inspiration to not only kids but to adults too. I was 18 years old when I first watched the movie and I was still throwing up the ‘Wakanda Forever’ sign several months after its release. To the kids, Boseman truly was the King they had seen on screen, at the 2020 NBA all-star game, Boseman still represented his role for them and despite his battle with cancer at the time, he continued to be the same hero that everyone looked up to.
Boseman’s recent passing was devastating, his fans and supporters were in shock to find out he had passed so unexpectedly. For me personally, his passing makes Black Panther and the other Marvel Avengers movies that he is featured in even more special to me. You can clearly see his strong passion for the roles he played in each film he starred in, as his legacy will never be forgotten. There are many celebrities who are also devastated and have spoken very highly of him, mentioning that he was such a genuine person who brought nothing but joy to other people’s lives. He was an incredible inspiration for our generation and I believe that we should all aspire to be the kind of person he was so that we can all be heroes in the eyes of the younger generations, as Boseman was not only a hero on screen but a hero everywhere he went.
Today's feature writer is Marice! Thank you for writing such a great dedication piece for Chadwick Boseman. You have encapsulated the immense impact that Chadwick had in representing the black community in Hollywood, as well as highlighting how his heroic character went beyond the cinema screen. Not only was Chadwick a key figure in the black community but, he was also a prominent figure in Hollywood and has opened the pathway to more diversity within the creative industry.
Our prayers are with the Boseman family and his fans during this difficult time.
May he rest in peace.
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