Chadwick Boseman: A Lesson in Purpose
The life and work of the late 43 year old Black actor has become an inspiration to multitudes of people around the world…and a lesson in finding purpose.
Just like many of you who saw the news headlines that day, I couldn’t believe it when I heard it. I didn’t want to believe it. Someone so radiant and full of joy, who touched and inspired everyone he met — such a person’s death feels almost unfair. This is is how many people felt at the news that Chadwick Boseman, 43, died from his four year battle with colon cancer — a battle he fought largely in private (to many people’s surprise, unfortunately).
In all honesty, it’s taken me so long to write this piece because I don’t really know what to say. I’ve definitely been busy, caught up in the work I’ve got during this school year at my university, amongst other things. Even so, when I found myself with some down time, I still couldn’t figure out where to start, or even where to continue.
That being said, I’m still going to try.
Let’s start with one of the biggest questions so many of us asked in our minds: “Why? Why him of all people?” As I mentioned earlier, Chadwick was a source of positivity, love, laughter, and light for so many people; individuals like him are those we are more often drawn to, those who we aspire to be like, and ultimately, those whose wisdom and energy offer hope in the darkest of times. So when the news of Chadwick’s passing surfaced, it was so hard to come to grips with that reality. Especially knowing how much loss and devastation the world had already faced (and still is facing) with an ongoing pandemic, several natural disasters, the deaths of other inspiring individuals, and the ever growing social tension and injustice taking place around the world, it only made the impact of his passing hit me that much harder; the realization that the world had lost one of its’ brightest lights in Chadwick Boseman was crushing.
I spent quite some time that weekend fixated on that question of “Why him?” It was during this stretch of pondering that I came across several clips of Chadwick giving a speech at Howard University’s 150th commencement ceremony two years ago. At first, I only saw it as the usual reposting of an individual’s greatest moments before their passing; however, as I continued to scroll down my timeline, I realized why it was this exact clip that was popping up everywhere…it perfectly summed up Chadwick’s life.
It was when I heard these words that things started to line up. So much of what Chadwick passed through and achieved was oriented around the purpose that permeated every inch of his life.
Purpose. That’s the word.
Chadwick’s portrayals of several Black leaders, legends, and visionaries was filled with purpose and significance. When he portrayed baseball legend Jackie Robinson in the biographical sports film 42, he helped reinforce the truth of letting one’s work speak for itself — despite the critics and hecklers that are screaming at you. Chadwick’s dedication to the role showed us that when you’ve been given the talent and you’ve put in the work, no one can deny that you deserve a spot on the team or a seat at the table.
When Chadwick took to the silver screen as lawyer, civil rights activist, and eventual Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Thurgood Marshall, he emphasized the importance of standing up for fairness, justice, and truth every single time, no matter what the circumstances may be.
Chadwick also conveyed another important part of life: being a hero and a leader that inspires, motivates, and encourages others.
In one of his last few roles as "Stormin’" Norman Earl Holloway, a squad leader during the Vietnam War in Da 5 Bloods, Chadwick demonstrated the importance of pouring into others, and being a leader in word and deed, and stressing the importance of unity, love, and faith, even to the bitter end.
But perhaps his most influential role was that of T’Challa, more famously known as the king and protector of Wakanda — the Black Panther. His performance of the character brought inspiration and joy to millions of people everywhere, especially to the Black community — Black people of all ages saw themselves as leaders, scientists, warriors, champions, and most importantly — as kings and queens. As T’Challa, Chadwick reminded us that we must strive to be good people in a position of power, no matter how difficult that may be; that it is always important to make an effort to right the wrongs of the past; but perhaps most importantly, that seeking unity instead of discord is what allows us to move forward:
“We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another, as if we were one single tribe.”
This quote from the movie encompasses what Chadwick’s life was all about, and what we should be about as well — I truly believe that our biggest mission and purpose in life is to positively impact those around us, to connect with others through love, kindness, compassion, and empathy; to inspire each other to become the best version of ourselves every single day, and prioritize each others’ well being, so that all of us can be well.
As sporadic and disheveled as my thoughts were while writing this, I do know one thing — Chadwick inspired so many of us while he was here…and the life he lived inspires me to do the same — to live and love others well, to build bridges instead of barriers, to work hard, and to be a humble, good, and purposeful leader.
Thank you, Chadwick.
I can’t believe it took me until the end of the year to finish this, but I’m thankful I did. I hope you enjoyed this piece…Chadwick’s passing this year highlighted the all too important fact that life is a gift, and that it isn’t to be taken for granted…we must live it with intention. As rough as 2020 was, I’m sending light and love your way, and praying for the best in 2021. You matter.
All the best,
