I’ve looked dozens and dozens of tributes all over social media – joining in on the collective grief. I process things when I write them down. So I want to say grieving the death of a celebrity isn’t weird and you should feel all the feelings. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. If you keep the feelings of sadness and grief inside of you, you will feel sick. Talk about it or write about it.
Long Live the King: Chadwick Forever
I’m still in shock. This year has been traumatic enough. Kobe. COVID and the 180,000+ souls lost. Social isolation. Breonna. George. Ahmed. CT Vivian. John Lewis. And then…
Last night, as I worked on a paper I decided to watch Black Panther for the [insert extremely ridiculous # here]th time. Honestly, I didn’t write much. The movie stole my attention. After it was finished, I picked up my phone to scroll through Instagram and what the first post I see one of news that Chadwick Boseman had died following a four-year battle with colon cancer.
My heart is absolutely broken. This isn’t just about being a huge Marvel fan – which I am. It’s about the power of representation. Seeing a Black man play a character that was not only royalty, but an inspiration to so many black boys and girls will always be something I cherish and hold on to. He not only gave us a superhero, he brought the stories of so many Black icons to the screen.
Purpose is the essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history. Your very existence is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfill. – Chadwick Boseman
He took on these strenuous roles while he was battling cancer. I sometimes don’t want to get up out of bed to walk my dog when I’m having menstrual cramps. I can’t imagine the physical and emotional toll it took on him.
View this post on Instagram
This clip hits so much more knowing what he was going through.This is truly a loss. I pray his loved ones are comforted by the outpouring of love and support.
In @chadwickboseman’s passing we highlight tragic truth for Black ppl.
Did you know that Blacks have higher death rates & die at younger ages for MOST cancers including colon, lung, prostate, and breast cancer? His death isn’t uncommon so when we scream #BLM we mean this, too. pic.twitter.com/xyboYjCMA9
— Ebony Jade Hilton, MD (@EbonyJHilton_MD) August 29, 2020
So love on your people. Tell your friends you love them. Let your heroes know you inspire them. Get your checkups. Make your health a priority.
Long live the king! Chadwick forever!
