Chadwick Boseman, best known for his role as T’Challa/Black Panther in Black Panther, passed away on August 28 from colon cancer in Los Angeles.

On the 28th of August, at 10:11 pm, the family of the Boseman posted on his Twitter account sharing the news of his tragic passing: “It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman.” The post then continued with surprising information that Chadwick Boseman had been battling colon cancer. The family wrote, “Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV.” Boseman passed away in Los Angeles with his family by his side, including his wife Taylor Simone Ledward, who he had secretly married prior to his death. Boseman was laid to rest in his hometown of Anderson, South Carolina on September 2nd during a private service.

Boseman changed the world with his role as T’Challa/Black Panther in various Marvel films. In 2016, around the same time of his diagnosis, Boseman debuted the character in Captain America: Civil War. Two years after, Boseman changed the film industry forever with his first solo film as the King of Wakanda. Black Panther, made up of a predominately African American cast, brought Black culture and power to another level. The film itself includes so many African customs that have not genuinely been celebrated in such a big blockbuster film. Before the film, African customs were not portrayed as beautiful and empowering, in most big picture films Africa is represented with war and violence. This movie is different from the rest because it promotes the advances of technology and prosperity instead of poverty. For example, viewers are drawn into the African culture by the display of costumes and hair. Throughout the film, there is a large abundance of traditional African outfits that are showcased. These appearances were not only symbolic of the heritage of African Americans but also the empowerment of Africans to embrace their beauty. Furthermore, Boseman himself received many praises for his role because of the idea of an African American not only being a king but also a superhero. Many in the African American community finally felt represented positively and were empowered by the strength and courage shown in the film.

Throughout his career, Boseman also played titular roles in several films about historical African American milestones. In 2013, Boseman portrayed Jackie Robinson, the famous baseball player who overcame many social difficulties, in the film 42. The following year, Boseman starred in Get on Up as James Brown in the film about Brown’s rise in the music industry. His streak of playing historically important men did not end there as he, later on, appeared as Thurgood Marshall in Marshall. Boseman’s portrayal of these historical men shed light on the cruelty people of color faced, and the systemic racism that continues to discriminate against people of color

Along with the news of his passing, ABC News aired a special dedicated to the life and legacy of Boseman. “ABC News Specials: Chadwick Boseman – A Tribute for a King”, which premiered on August 30, 2020, featured many kind words from the cast and crew of Marvel Studios. Later that evening, 6.1 million viewers rewatched Chadwick’s film, “Black Panther”. Around the same time on August 30, The 2020 Video Music Awards dedicated their show to Boseman, and during Keke Palmer’s opening speech as the award host, she briefly talked about his passing and the impact he left on the world. Palmer stated, ⁣”He’s a true hero, not just on screen, but everything he did. His impact lives forever.”

Although Chadwick Boseman’s illness was unknown to the public eye, Boseman had received a lot of backlash for his unknown weight loss. As his conditions worsened, many started to notice his physical appearance changing, but did not respond in humane manors. When seeing his change in appearance, people called him “Crack Panther” and various memes were made about it. Despite many who were “trolling” Boseman for his physical transformation while he was still alive, many have come to realize now that Boseman was a force stronger than words. Boseman didn’t let his illness define him and continued to pursue his career. Fellow colleagues even stated that they had no clue what Boseman had been going through. Reportedly, Kevin Feige, the President of Marvel Studios, did not know of Boseman’s condition until the day before his death. Nonetheless, the strength of Boseman is immeasurable as he secretly fought cancer for 4 years, with only a few people knowing about his condition. His dedication to his roles despite the circumstances truly symbolizes the hero he was in reality.

In Memory of a King: November 29, 1976- August 28, 2020.