Thinking of Chadwick: An Attempt to Put the Black Panther's Impact into Words

 Marvel’s The Black Panther as a storyline has stood the test of time in the realm of Afrofuturism as a major source of positive Black representation in the superhero space. However, seeing Chadwick Boseman on-screen as T’Challa the Black Panther in the flesh, unleashed the unimaginable strength that the power of live-action representation holds for the hero. The perfect casting of Chadwick Boseman transcended the afrofuturist concepts demonstrated through the Black Panther character into the actor himself becoming a symbol, icon, and blueprint of Afrofuturism in the film space and the power of an individuals talent and spirit to touch the lives of all who watched him on screen. Through director Ryan Coogler’s film rendition of The Black Panther, where T’challa and the people of Wakanda were finally centered in their own Marvel movie, the solidification of Afrofuturism taking place in our reality occurred as a result of the revolutionary afrofuturistic themes seen through the film. As the fandom for the character and the actor grew to unimaginable levels, the impact of Chadwick Boseman and T’challa continues to thrive, grow, and stand the test of time while we mourn the loss of a person who became a hero in real life. If that isn’t Afrofuturism, I don't know what is!

It's difficult to convey the impact T’challa and Chadwick Boseman have had on my life and the lives of Black people of all ages. To discuss how difficult it has been to grieve his loss also seems impossible, as Chadwick's legacy as a real-life hero was heightened for me after he left this Earth. Watching the film in class was also a struggle because I have avoided bringing myself to see him on film since his passing. I was enveloped with tears and overwhelming sadness immediately, but I began to think about how grateful I am to live in a lifetime that gets to see the ways he has and will continue to shape Afrofuturism in real-time. It's difficult to convey the immeasurable impact he has had because it's rare that Black people are given the platform and recognition to display their innovation and excellence in the ways that Chadwick did over the course of his career— and certainly through his portrayal as the Black Panther. For now, I will continue to bask in the talent we were given through what may have started as a simple casting and transcended into the beginnings of a societal shift that reimagines who heroes can be. The Black Panther as a superhero, Huey P Newton & the Party, and the symbolism of the animal have reclaimed their cultural power— and this will only continue to flourish as we see where the Black Panther goes next.