In seeing all of the heartfelt tributes to Chadwick Boseman, I have of course been struck by how much his career, and in particular his portrayal of the Black Panther, meant to so many Black Americans. And rightfully so. (1/5)
It’s a smaller part of the story, but I think it’s worth mentioning that it was also important for white Americans to see his portrayal of King T’Challa. My family saw Black Panther in theaters twice, and my kids revered him as a Black superhero. That was good for them too. (2/5)
And I can’t help but think that there were millions of white adult Americans who were benefited by witnessing that same performance. (3/5)
On a personal level, it breaks my heart to see this happen to a young man at the peak of his health and talents. Then to learn that he portrayed the Black Panther while battling cancer & undergoing treatment, that is heroic and inspirational. That’s real life, not fiction. (4/5)
