It is often said that the quality of our lives is not in the length of our days, but in the number of lives we touched. For a man who left this world at the peak of his career, we are not wrong if we say he left too soon.
However, we can equally say his life was well spent. Chadwick Boseman lived his purpose, made a name, and inspired others to achieve their dreams against all odds.
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According to the late award-winning actor and āsuperheroā, purpose gives you a direction in life. Hence, in everything you find in life, find purpose. For Boseman, his purpose propelled him to stand firm on a path that gave him honours and distinction.
Born on September 29, 1976, Boseman breathed his last on August 28, 2020, after a four year battle with colon cancer. In his four decades on earth, he touched lives and achieved his dream despite his health challenge. Beyond this challenge which he did not allow to daunt his purpose, he had other strongholds on his path to success cum stardom.
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Being Young, Gifted and Black
āāBeing young, gifted, and black; we all know what itās like to be told that there is not a place for you to be featured. Yet you are young, gifted, and black. We know what itās like to be told that there is no stage for you to be featured on; no screen for you to be featured on. We know what itās like to be the tail and not the head. We know what itās like to be beneath and not above.
āāAnd with that, we went to work every day. Not that we knew the movie would make a billion dollars. We knew we had something special that we wanted to give the worldā¦.that we could create a world that we exemplified; a world that we wanted to see. With the opportunities we got every day with the directors; that is something that I wish all actors will be able to experience.āā –Black Panther star actor Chadwick Boseman at the 2019 Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Boseman talked about breaking the jinx that has harangued many young talented black persons. In his words, being young and black is tough because there are many limitations attached. How about his talent? It did not count as far as the skin colour was black and he was young. Boseman squashed that stereotype, made a mark, and became a role model for many people across nations.
Chadwick Boseman: an epic mix of bravery and faith
Boseman had an incredible personality. He was battling stage III colon cancer which later escalated to stage IV in early 2020; yet, he delivered on his job. He was a prolific actor. With the ailment, he delivered on Black Panther, Marshall, Avengers, 21 Bridges, and Da 5 Bloods.
With such a health challenge, he had every reason to recede to his shell and seek public sympathy. Nevertheless, he believed he had a purpose and no force could stop him. Consequently, he gave us consecutive premium content on our screens with his brilliant acts. Truly, Boseman was a definition of purpose, faith, bravery, and determination. That, to him, was everything.
The Other Side of Struggles
There are many persons who mocked the incredible weight loss of the actor. Some suspected he was taking drugs. Another school of thought felt he lost weight because he was preparing for a movie shoot.
It is paramount to note that jumping into conclusions on issues that affect others is not cool. People go through a lot on a regular basis; not everyone wants to tell their story. Like Boseman, many prefer to suffer privately and show up strong for others.
On another note, we should learn to show empathy. Boseman might have been a strong man who rose beyond his health challenge; not everyone possesses such capacity.
People suffer differently and manage pain differently. Likewise, what kills one makes another stronger. Moreso, what one individual can pull through successfully, another may suffer through till they fall into depression and call it quits.
Life and Times of Chadwick Boseman
Live purposefully. That was the message of the late prolific actor who had his upbringing in South Carolina, United States. In 1995, Boseman graduated from T.L. Hanna High School. He also graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Directing from Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 2000. Besides, he is a graduate of Digital Film Academy in New York.
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He featured in numerous television roles before his first major movie in 2013. In the film 42, Boseman acted the role of Jackie Robinson, baseball star and pioneer. Likewise, he depicted King TāChalla in Black Panther.
His strength soared as he featured in 2018 and 2019 Avengers: Infinity Wars and Avengers: Endgame respectively. 2019 was not done for Boseman as he also acted in 21 Bridges. Da 5 Bloods also had him as one of its cast in the 2020 released Netflix film.
Purpose and Godās grace guarantee success
In his speech to the 2018 graduating students at Howard University, Boseman said,
āāPurpose 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 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.
āāWhen I dared to challenge the system that would relegate us to victories and stereotypes with no clear historical background, no hopes of talent; 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 doesnāt matter who stands against itā¦āā
Boseman passed on with his wife and family by his side. He had a purpose, lived it, and watched others build their faith on it. He may be no more with the mortals, but his legacy lives on. Wakanda Forever!
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Lord maleeQ
31/08/2020 at 6:01 pmA well lived life. Always to be remembered by all.
Rest in Power
Vivian Adeyemo
31/08/2020 at 11:41 pmBrilliant write up! Chad was the epitome of living a purposeful life. A man of integrity and a true inspiration. His legacy shall live on forever. RIP to a true legend.