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The Loss of an Icon - VIVYD Magazine Retro Special Edition
The Loss of an Icon
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by Ron Adams
THE WORLD MOURNS THE PASSING OF A HERO
“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer in 2016 and battled with it these last four years as it progressed to stage four. A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much”
Early last month the world was shocked by the news that Chadwick Boseman had passed away from colon cancer. This loss was not only felt by his family and friends, but by anyone who enjoyed his work, his energy, and his work ethic. From Jackie Robinson (Movie: 42) to T’Challa (Movie: Black Panther) his legacy will live on in the history of Hollywood and in those he inspired in everyday life.
I consider myself a pretty decent movie buff. I have watched all sorts of movies, so much so that lots of people often ask me for reactions to certain films upon release. Although I am no Siskle and Ebert I do pride myself in being able to enjoy a film for the entertainment value as well as dissecting the story for everyday and practical application.
In recent years, I have become undeniably drawn to the story lines of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, its origins on the big screen, but more importantly the characters which the Kevin Feige has chosen to bring to the reality. After all there are over 8000 individual main characters in Marvel Comics, and I am sure that anyone of them could have a stand-alone movie to showcase their specific origin stories, triumphs, and struggles.
When the announcement was made to introduce the Black Panther, I was beyond excited. Not so much for the representation of a Black superhero, but the actor slated to play the character was none other than Chadwick. After watching “42” I became a super fan and thought that if anyone could have pulled off the complex nature of this Marvel character, that he would be perfect. Needless to say, he did not disappoint. Although, the character first appeared in Marvel’s “Captain America Civil War” it was not until “Marvel’s Black Panther” that I truly appreciated what he brought to the screen. I remember completely being overtaken with emotion watching the character’s battles as well as thinking that this movie was made with a lot of understanding of what it means to be Black in a world where people may consider you inferior. One the last scenes of the movie, a United Nations delegate asked this question, “With all due respect, what can your farmers have to offer the rest of the world?” This is the summary of the Black experience in various situations everywhere.
The Reflection. Boseman was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016. He battled this disease for four years before it progressed to stage IV. During that fight, he was able to work on seven projects to include Black Panther, Marshall, and Da 5 Bloods. His work ethic was incomparable by most of his peers as he was working all while enduring innumerable rounds of chemotherapy. Almost sounds like a mythical story that you would tell about strength and perseverance. “Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family.” This tweet sent by Vice President candidate Kamala Harris, who was the subject of Boseman’s finally tweet August 11th.
Co-star and fellow Avenger Robert Downy Jr wrote, “Mr. Boseman leveled the playing field while fighting for his life. That’s heroism. I’ll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game.” In addition to his professional acumen, more importantly to me he gave more of himself to others on a personal level by delivering the commencement speech for the Howard University graduating class of 2018 and countless hours of volunteerism with St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital cancer research center. “Now, this is your time. The light of new realizations shines on you today. Howard’s legacy is not wrapped up in the money that you will make, but the challenges that you choose to confront. As you commence to your paths, press on with pride and press on with purpose. God bless you. I love you, Howard. Howard forever!”
The Irony. Some would call it irony some would call it fitting, but just seven years after portraying the groundbreaking Jackie Robinson in the film 42, Boseman died on the same day Major League Baseball remembers Jackie Robinson. In a statement released by the Jackie Robinson Foundation, “It is with tremendous sadness that the Jackie Robinson Foundation mourns the loss of actor, screenwriter and philanthropist, Chadwick Boseman... Having channeled the depth and diversity of our beloved Jackie Robinson in the 2013 critically-acclaimed Legendary Entertainment film 42, Chadwick was a dear friend of the Foundation — lending his time and visibility to help advance our mission.” As in life as well as on film Chadwick Boseman lived as few have the opportunity to do, as an American hero and icon. His heroic action transcended the world of film and tv and has carved a place in the hearts of every black or brown child around the world. This what a hero looks like, this is how we should pattern our life, not in search of what we can get, in effort of what we can give. Mr. Boseman although I will never have the opportunity to personally meet you on this spiritual plane, you have given me the inspiration to be strong even when life tells me to be weak and for that I am eternally grateful. May you rest in power brother.
