As if 2020 hadn’t delivered enough blows already, on August 29th, US actor and Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman passed away. Reports reveal he was fighting a 4 year-long battle with colon cancer.
The news of his death was revealed on his social media profile, leaving millions across the world heartbroken.
With over 7.2 million likes (and counting), it has quickly become the most-liked tweet in the history of Twitter. And the tributes haven’t stopped.
Senagalese artist Boubou, who is famous for painting his creations upside down with unconventional objects, shared his tribute to the late actor, ending it with the infamous Wakanda salute.
Incredible Chadwick Boseman tribute by Senegalese artist Boubou.
Best thing you’ll see today… https://t.co/Sj0dGFHX2I
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) August 30, 2020
In remembrance of Chadwick Boseman
Chadwick had been a part of countless projects and films, but it was his role as King T’Challa that made waves for generations across the world. He is being lauded as a hero for generations who did what rarely anyone could.
Stories and tributes are being shared about life and the moments he touched someone else’s.
Imam Omar Suleiman, a renowned Muslim scholar, re-shared his post from 2018 when he first met the Black Panther actor. While extending prayers for his family he shared how Chadwick was a true icon, both on and off-screen.
https://www.facebook.com/imamomarsuleiman/posts/3458230340863649
His tribute on his own account shared how playing King T’Challa was the honor of his life, and children and adults alike agree.
Actress Whoopi Goldberg took to Twitter to try and convince Disney to build a Wakanda themed park in his honor.
https://twitter.com/WhoopiGoldberg/status/1300259333834407942
Marvel Studios shared their own heartfelt tribute to Chadwick, in a video that highlighted his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and tributes from his fellow actors.
You will always be our King. pic.twitter.com/6yfKb913rI
— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 31, 2020
Chadwick’s role in shaping the legacy of Black Panther goes far beyond his on-screen performance.
He fought for King T’Challa to have an African accent and for Wakanda to have Xhosa as an official language. In doing so, he actively took part in changing the narrative around African heritage and moving away from colonized histories and rulers.
https://twitter.com/somebadideas/status/1299569670907985920
Children across the world have paid tribute to the famed superhero.
Parents all over the world shared photos of their kids paying tribute to actor Chadwick Boseman, with many posing alongside Marvel Universe action figures and doing the 'Wakanda Forever' salute. https://t.co/hCD4j5QPK8 pic.twitter.com/ZjnubhpdvV
— ABC News (@ABC) August 31, 2020
ABC’s tribute to the actor described Black Panther as a “movement” and his co-actors described him as a shooting star, one that would inspire young men of color for generations to come. The tribute looks back at his iconic roles playing Jackie Robinson and Thurgot Marshall. It also highlights Chadwick’s incomparable morals which refused to let him compromise on his values for any sort of role.
Chadwick Boseman chose roles like Jackie Robinson and Thurgood Marshall, Black icons who changed America for the better. When he played superhero T’Challa in #BlackPanther, he made history, inspiring a new generation of children. #ChadwickBoseman https://t.co/yFpw1LJxHV pic.twitter.com/OKFLVRsXcD
— 20/20 (@ABC2020) August 31, 2020
Chadwick Boseman was a true hero in every sense of the word. He died aged 43, but his legacy is one that will truly live on.
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