The Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman was laid to rest on the 3rd of September at Welfare Baptist Church Cemetery in Belton, South Carolina, about 11 miles from Boseman’s hometown of Anderson, the Los Angeles County certificate showed. Anderson County held a public memorial for Boseman one day later. Many others, friends, colleagues, well-wishers, who could not attend the funeral also did the same. Every independent filmmaker joins his family, friends, colleagues, and Marvel to bid him farewell! Goodnight, Chadwick. Rest in Power.
In the spirit of Chadwick Boseman, how he would like us to see his passing, the legacy he left, and the lives he touched, we honor a man who gave so much, in so little time with a poem from Mary Elizabeth Frye.
Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
~ Mary Elizabeth Frye
A “20/20” special examines his career, from playing Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, to T’Challa in “Black Panther.” His influence was felt far beyond Hollywood, all the way to the White House.
We roll back time, in this solemn mood of mourning, to the day the heart-wrenching news broke and reminisce with the response of 8 award-winning filmmakers to the question…
Aug. 28: We have learned that Chadwick Boseman the Black Panther Star passed away today at his home near Griffith Park in Los Angeles.
Weronika Helena Wozniak: HOLD UP. THIS IS REAL. WHAT.
Jamie Monahan: My heart is heavy with the loss of an artist like Chad Bosman. I loved Black Panther and was so inspired by what that movie did not just for women but for Black artists. Chad Bosman was the perfect king. A true hero on and off the screen. He is the example of a short life lived to the fullest and in death will continue to inspire many generations to come. Rest in power and peace. The world seems less bright today with his passing but I know he’s inspired so many to follow in his footsteps and I’m excited to meet them!
Oghenekaro Itene: My soul is very saddened by his Loss. But I also celebrate Him. He battled Stage 4 colon cancer for 4 years in the midst of filming great films. He persevered through it all and brought us many of the films we have come to Love. Not to mention the life he had to endure the whole time. He embodied a true Hero, an excellent and brilliant performer He was, a king Indeed. Let’s keep his legacy going. May He rests in Paradise 🙏🏿 We have to stay close cos life is too fragile.
Emma Dark (UK Horror Filmmaker): “It’s shocking to hear that an up and coming actor like Chad Bozeman could pass away at such a young age, with so much potential left unfulfilled. It’s obvious that he had a great deal of strength as a person to continue to work through the duration of his illness, as strong as the characters he played on screen. It’s clear from the comments and tributes I have seen on social media today that he was a true hero and role model to many film fans.”
Danene Montella: So sad about him leaving us so soon. Here are a few words from me on the matter: To learn of the loss of Chadwick Boseman is completely heartbreaking. Of course, I didn’t know him on a personal level but his work and spirit deeply resonated with me as an actor. He was a role model of integrity, valor, and compassion to people everywhere, and it was so evident that those qualities were what made the iconic roles he played on screen irresistibly powerful and inspiring. Rest In Peace, King. #WakandaForever
Nikelola Balogun: I’m so upset with 2020 and the flood of challenges, strife, and tragedies it’s thrown at us, resulting especially in the sheer numbers of lives lost. Sigh, I understand death is part of life and all lives are precious. Life is precious… and that’s what makes losing someone we hold dear to our hearts even more difficult.
This morning, my heart was so heavy from the news of Chadwick Boseman’s passing. I was especially saddened because not only did he help pave the way for Africans, African American diversity in film, specifically in Marvel productions and hopefully future productions in this genre, he did it while battling an illness that he sadly ended up taking his life. I can’t help but feel angry as he had such a promising future ahead of him, that was cut way too short. What an amazing human being you’d have to be to be able to continue creating, bringing joy and entertainment to the screens of many, all the while knowing you have a quickly approaching expiration date. It brings tears of sadness to my eyes to imagine what he must have gone through for the next years after his diagnosis however, I am also filled with tears of joy for the plethora of wonderful art he has left behind an epic heroic mark he made as well. Chadwick Boseman will be forever missed but his powerful legacy and impact on millions worldwide will never be forgotten.
Sibusiso Khuzwayo: As a black storyteller, I’m grateful that Chadwick Boseman shared his light with us and ignited us with a passion to tell our stories with pride. The deep pain that many of us feel about his passing, explains how his work was able to reach the deep depths of our hearts. It is sad and hard to believe that we won’t see him in new roles, but it is comforting to know that he gave us memorable performances that will live forever. Wakanda Forever.
Barbara Sanchez: The death of Chadwick Boseman teaches us how precious and short life is. These difficult times have taught us that we must love those who are still with us. We must not judge others for how they look, dress, or talk! I pray that his legacy continues to shine light in humanity and our youth. I pray that his legacy teaches us compassion, understanding and
resilience.
Itai Guberman: When I heard the news of his passing I was deeply saddened, somehow beyond the regular reaction to just another loss of a beloved celebrity. I became aware of Boseman through his earlier one-off appearances on TV shows such as CSI: NY, Cold Case, Lie To Me (where he really made a lasting impression), The Glades, Castle, and Fringe, then in films such as 42, Draft Day and his magnificent portrayal of James Brown in Get On Up, and I still have to catch up on more of his titles. I was not aware of him being sick at all, so the news was a real punch to the gut, but after it sank in I realized that it was not just because we lost another rising talent, it was because we lost a rare, good soul and a potential “difference maker”. Boseman was active in charities, making fans happy, helping people find their purpose (as he has found for himself), and what seemed to be an innate desire to change the world. The awareness of his loss, or should I say our loss, pains me deeply. From what I can tell, Chadwick was bright, charismatic (here’s that word again), talented, good-hearted, driven, ambitious, kind, and full of purpose. It is a sad day when such a bright flame is extinguished. I truly hope there will be others to continue his way. I would like to think that he is now at peace. He deserves that and so much more. R.I.P.
Howard University alumnus Chadwick Boseman provides words of inspiration to the Class of 2018 during Howard University’s 150th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 12 in Washington, D.C.
Dapo: It is heart-wrenching to hear this news. It feels so inappropriate that this can happen. And so much love is pouring in from people world over to his family. I join them to pray that God gives Chad’s family the fortitude to bear Chad’s loss! Goodnight Bro! (indieactivity editor)
Chadwick Boseman passed away on August 28th at his home near Griffith Park in Los Angeles. The immediate cause of death was listed as multiple organ failure, with the underlying cause of colon cancer, which his family said previously that he had been diagnosed with four years earlier. Boseman had surgery to remove the colon cancer in 2016 after his diagnosis, and in March of this year had laparoscopic surgery to remove cancer that had metastasized, the LA Country Coroner record showed.
Tell us what you think of the “Chadwick Boseman Ode: The Way Maker Legacy of The Black Panther“. What are you thinking? What more information do you need? Do you have any suggestions? Or did this help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook or Instagram! Or join me on Twitter @oladapobamidele
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