We really lost Chadwick Boseman yesterday. I’m still trying very hard to come to terms with everything. When I heard the news, I just asked myself this question: Why do good people die so young? Our Wakanda king is gone. This is exactly what the words “snatched from us by the cold hands of death” mean. He was just forty-three years old and cancer took him from us. 

If you don’t know who Chadwick Boseman was (which is unlikely), then here is a simple rundown of who he was. Chadwick Boseman was born in South Carolina to African American parents. His ancestry could be traced to the Krio and the Limba people of Uganda. It could also be traced to the Yoruba people of Nigeria. 

Chadwick Boseman started acting in Marvel movies in 2016, starring as a lead actor in Black Panther and Captain America: civil war. He also starred as a Wakanda prince in Avengers: Infinity wars and Avengers: Endgame. 

He was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2016. His family left this note on his social media account 

“It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and battled with it these last four years as it progressed to stage IV. A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all and brought to you many films you have come to love. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods. August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and many more. 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. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. The family thanks you for your love and prayers and asks that you continue to respect their privacy in this difficult time” 

Image Source: Twitter.com 

Ten Inspiring Things Chadwick Boseman Once Said

I’m sure that wherever Chad is, this is what he would love to be remembered by. His courage, his resilience, and the total beauty he brought to this world with him. He was a walking breathing inspiration. A black man who reminded Black people of their place as kings and queens. He made us all feel energized by the belief that we can be more than just mere mortals. 

We can be SuperHeroes, fighting for the safety of our land and our people. His words “as you can see, I did not yield. I am not dead” are the words of black people all over the world fighting against discrimination. Black citizens fighting against bad governance and poverty “I did not yield“. Powerful words. 

Here are some other words Chad left us that we would carry close to our heart alongside memories of him as our black king, our Black Panther. 

1. “Purpose is an essential element of you. It is the reason you are on this planet at this particular time in history. Your very existence is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfill. Whatever you choose for a career path, remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose. 

When I dare to challenge the system that would relegate us to victims and stereotypes with no clear historical background. No hopes and talents. When I questioned that method of portrayal, a different path opened up for me. The path to my destiny. When God has something for you, it doesn’t matter who stands against it. God will move someone that’s holding you back away from the door and put someone there who would open it for you.” 

2. “As you can see, I did not yield!” 

3. “Come, this is no place to die!” 

4. “To be young, gifted, and black, we all know what it is like to be beneath and not above but we knew that we had something special.” 

5. “In my culture, death is not the end. It is more of a stepping off point. You reach out with both hands to Bath and Sekhmet. They lead you into the green vales where you can run forever”.

 Image Source: Twitter.com 

6. “Wakanda forever!”

7. “All that 70 million young people that would come out to vote. I believe in you. I think that you can turn our nation around. You can make it live up to what it is supposed to do. It is not just that you are the future, you are actually the present. You are actually what we are supposed to be at this moment. 

And the fact that you have a voice, the fact that you can have a say, you know, (to) vote for whoever you want to vote for, (to) vote for whoever you believe in. But I believe that the majority of you can see what’s really happening and you want things to change. So I say all that today, thank you in advance for your input and the victory that is to come“. 

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Image source:Twitter.com 

8. “Now more than ever, the illusions of the visions threaten our very existence. We all know the truth. More connects us than separates us, but in times of crisis the wise build bridges while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe” 

9. “The best advice about getting older? Just be thankful you’re not dead!”

10. “You give me a uniform, you give me a number on my back, I’ll give you the guts.”

Finally, while we are all trying to get ourselves together after hearing such devastating news, let us remember to be there for all the people around us. You never know what someone close to you is passing through. It is important to spread love and be a beacon of hope and warmth like Chadwick was during his lifetime. 

It is amazing that in four years, and while taking treatment for cancer. Chadwick managed to live several lifetimes and impact millions of people around the world especially black people. We will never forget him. 

Today, we all cross our arms over our chest in salute. Wakanda forever!