Wesley Morris, a critic for the New York Times wrote: “In playing dignity, Chadwick Boseman often seemed tasked to perform its burden. But there was always more to him in these parts than heft.”
In sorting through my memories of Mr. Boseman’s performances, interviews, his commencement speech & what others have said of him, Mr. Morris’ words could not ring more true. What a fantastic list of accomplishments in a stunningly short period of time.
Chadwick portrayed not one, not two but three living legends, men who were uniquely different, who deeply impacted our society today. Few actors get the opportunity to do this type of recreation of an iconic human being once in their careers! In the past four years he would move on to embody another larger-than-life character for Marvel Studios. Starring in a film that would be an all-time top grosser & more importantly, would establish a new paradigm, a new vision for what the black identity is, can be & should strive for. He also produced and starred in two more projects. Here’s the shocking part: He did all this while battling cancer & no one outside his family knew about it.
In hearing the eloquence with which he spoke & in watching his work, I was blessed to learn about being an influence, an inspiration, a leader. Most importantly, I learned how to do these things with humility. His approach-ability was ever-apparent & often mentioned by others. Though I never met the man, I considered Chadwick Boseman a mentor. When watching him work & hearing him speak, I not only assimilated craft, I was also witnessing humanity.
Mr. Boseman in his demise yesterday, has been every bit the inspiration, leader & teacher of what each of us should seek from our time on this earth.
Rest in power, King.
