Re-Porter Blog: The Porter Report #12

 

It was an early August morning in 2020. We all saw the headline. Shock, despair, rage, confusion, sorrow, fatigue, and hopelessness. All these emotions piling on minute by minute. We all hoped it was false. We hoped it wasn’t true. In a year where there was already so much pain amongst our people, this felt like the cruelest hand dealt by our creator. Hours of denial continued until numerous people sent in confirmation after confirmation. At that moment, we realized that the worst we feared was true. It was inescapable and plain as the words on every screen. And it still hurts no less than it did back then….

“CHADWICK BOSEMAN. DEAD AT 44.”

Even saying those words now still feels like a gut punch. A man that had given us so much yet at the same time, still had some much more to give. Even more tragic to know that he silently fought this battle in private while delivering some of the biggest cinematic hits of the 2010s. A fighter on and off the screen, Boseman’s legacy became a blueprint for perseverance and thriving under circumstances. His positive outlook and willingness to go on continue to inspire many generations to this day. Now two years later, we are on the verge of returning to Wakanda in the next installment of the Black Panther franchise. What should be seen as a time of celebration still is in many ways. But it is unfortunately coupled with the hinge of heavy heartedness knowing that a key piece of the family is missing. 

Even amongst the cast, both within the Black Panther series and the greater MCU, the loss of Boseman was felt in full force. From the moment was introduced in 2014, he radiated charisma and swagger fit for a king. It’s no secret that his impact on so many people in the African American community was undeniable. To some, he was a talented actor playing a character that looked awesome, sounded awesome, and was so easy to root for. But for others, he and the film he was a part of was more than just that. 

Boseman and the 2018 film marked a turning point regarding the representation of blacks in film. A major studio creating a high-profile big-budget blockbuster with a predominantly black cast. Not only that, the people of color within the film had depth, motivation, and fully fleshed-out arcs that made them engaging all-around characters. For the first time ever, we, as a people felt seen. Not as over-exaggerated and stereotypical caricatures but as legit heroes. 

This is especially important for any young black and brown children growing up in a world that refuses to allow them to be seen in a light that is anything but the harmful depictions of the past. We’ve seen in the years that followed, multitudes of other minorities are seeing themselves represented within the Marvel heroverse through characters such as Kamala Khan, America Chavez, Maya Lopez, and even within Wakanda Forever itself with the debuts of Riri Williams and Namor The Submariner. Looking back, it is clear to see that Black Panther set a new standard for representation not only within the Marvel Cinematic Universe but within Hollywood itself.

It’s that reality that makes the passing of Boseman such a loss for the industry. But with that loss is still an opportunity to continue to build upon the world that he helped create. Despite T’Challa not being in the picture anymore, this leaves the door open for the other characters within the Black Panther universe to be further explored and developed. Coogler’s restructuring of the story makes Wakanda Forever more than just an event film. It’s a therapeutic celebration of the life of a man who exemplified black excellence and is a symbol of all the good someone can bring to those looking for hope and inspiration. As we enter this new era and the most anticipated film of the year, let us proudly celebrate and honor a man who gifted us with a world we thought was out of our reach. Our king may be gone in body. But his spirit lives on through us. 

To everyone watching the movie tonight and throughout the weekend, enjoy the experience and be safe!! 

WAKANDA FOREVER!!!!