Wakanda forever- not forgotten

American actor, Chadwick Boseman, loses fight to colon cancer.

Novalea Verno, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Chadwick Boseman at “Black Panther” movie premiere.
Photo credits Chris Piizello

On Aug. 28, 2020, Marvel fans and movie fanatics were shocked to receive the news that 43-year-old Chadwick Boseman passed away from cancer. His family released a statement saying that Boseman had been battling stage III colon cancer since 2016. Over the past four years, Boseman had been juggling his acting career on top of numerous surgeries and chemo sessions. The knowledge of Boseman’s diagnosis was kept under wraps by him and his family. His vigorous battle came to an end on Friday surrounded by his family and wife.

Boseman was born on Nov. 29, 1976, in South Carolina. He graduated from The Howard University of Washington, D.C. with a bachelor of fine arts in directing. He also later attended the British American Drama Academy in Oxford, England.

Boseman began his ascent into the world of video stars and cameras in the mid-2000s with a recurring role as Nathaniel Ray on ABC’s “Lincoln Heights.” Over the years his wrap sheet continued to grow with notorious roles like James Brown in “Get on Up,” the lead role as Jackie Robinson in “42” and most recently T’Challa in the hit Marvel movie “Black Panther.”

Boseman’s roles have had a great amount of influence over the younger generation with themes of perseverance and justice. His spotlight in the media was groundbreaking for the superhero loving kids of color who had yet to see themselves represented in media as the hero.

“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much… 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,” Boseman’s family wrote in a statement released following his death.

Along with a large number of fans grieving the loss of such a talented actor and loving man, those who personally worked with Boseman also came out expressing their own feelings of grief.

“Chadwick’s passing is absolutely devastating. He was our T’Challa, our Black Panther, and our dear friend…. He was as smart and kind and powerful and strong as any person he portrayed. Now he takes his place alongside them as an icon for the ages. The Marvel Studios family deeply mourns his loss and we are grieving tonight with his family,” wrote Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige.

As the world continues to mourn the loss of such a bright soul, fans and family vow to never forget about the courage, kindness and strength that made up Boseman. Wakanda forever.