The Greatness of Chadwick Boseman

In movie and in life, he became the King! A true king.

On November 29, 1976, a child entered this world with a mantle upon his shoulders. His greatness was not in inventing new things or writing new books, but in dramatizing the lives of his people, who had suffered through years of slavery, segregation, and racism. His parents named him Chadwick Boseman.

While at church, Chadwick fell in love with music and performance. It became his life’s dream to become an actor.

In 1998, he was accepted into the British American Drama Academy at Oxford. Only one thing stood in his way: lack of funds. This is where the man who influenced his career more than anything stepped in. Denzel Washington paid the fees for Chadwick and 8 others. Many years later, after the success of Black Panther, he would say, “There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington." It was a fitting dedication to the influence of Denzel on Chad.

Denzel’s influence on Chad went beyond just paying school fees. At the beginning of his career, he faced a decision that would have turned out to be a completely different Chadwick Boseman. He was offered a role to act as an Uncle Tom in a movie. Chad sought advice from Denzel on whether to accept the role or not. Denzel advised him not to take it for the reason that whatever role he accepted at the beginning of his career would determine future roles. If he accepted to be Uncle Tom, the industry will always identify him with Uncle Tom, and he would be called for Uncle Tom roles only. He turned down the offer.

This wisdom is true not just for Chadwick but for all of us. The roles you assume at the beginning will define your career. First impressions matter a lot.

Chadwick’s career went on to prove the wisdom of Denzel.

In 2014, his breakthrough movie, "42,” was released. He acted as Jackie Robinson. It was an iconic role that introduced both Chadwick and Jackie to millions of people. This was the beginning of an iconic career that moved through “Get On Up,"  a movie on James Brown, and then "Marshall,"  another biopic in which he acted as the legendary Thurgood Marshall, and finally, it culminated with the unforgettable King T’Challa in “Black Panther." Black Panther was the culmination of a life dedicated to bringing the lives of black American heroes to the screen. It was befitting.

In the movie and in life, he became the King! A true king.

At the beginning of his career, he said, “As an African-American actor, a lot of our stories haven't been told.” By the end of his life, it could be said that so many stories of African Americans have made it to the screen, thanks to him!

Watching 42 and Marshall alone makes you understand the struggle of African Americans, but not just that it inspires you to greatness. It inspires you to also make your mark and make the world a better place.

In Black Panther, he had to live with the consequences of his father's actions, and he had to bear the weight of the crown. He bore it with grace and dignity. He was so good at his role that it made so many people believe Wakanda was real.

In real life, he was also bearing his burdens with grace. In 2016, he had been diagnosed with colon cancer, yet he did not stop working. Think about the fact that Marshall was released in 2017, Black Panther in 2018, Avengers Infinity War in 2018, Avengers Endgame in 2019, and 21 Bridges in 2019. Da 5 Bloods in 2020, and Ma Rainey Black Bottom in 2020. 7 movies! He knew he was dying, he could have said he wanted to take time off and travel the world and enjoy. Everyone would understand that. Everyone would accept that. But Chad was not that kind of man. He cared about legacy. He cared about the future. He cared about his people and their perception of themselves. Much more, he knew life wasn’t for whining. With pain and much suffering, he kept showing up for his work. He told his producers, “I am not afraid to work”. Work he did! And he left us treasures that we will continue to look at for many generations to come.

When Chadwick’s death was announced in 2020, nearly everyone was surprised. Chadwick had chosen to bear his burden with grace alone. He did not transfer his burden to others. He carried it like a true king.

He was born for the screen. He brought heroes to life on the screen, and in the process, he became a hero too.

In an iconic scene in Black Panther after his return from near death, he tells Killmonger, “As you can see, I am not dead." Yes, he is not dead. He lives on the screen. He lives in the lives of black people all around the world. He lives in the hearts of young people like me whom he has inspired.

This is the greatness of Chadwick Boseman.

He died on August 28, 2020! 4 years since he became an ancestor.