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A Life That Changed a Thousand Lives

Marcus Buena
Sep 12, 2020
3 min read

“You have to cherish things in a different way when you know the clock is ticking, you are under pressure,”

Chadwick Boseman once said. Our lives are miniscule vessels in the world - too small to be significant - but in what we see today, people can truly make a difference. People can make a change in the world. Chadwick Boseman was a man of change - a person who can make a difference to one's heart. Boseman in his early days was simple. He was born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina, with his parents, Carolyn and Leroy Boseman. An alumnus of T.L. Hanna High School, Boseman graduated college at Howard University in Washington, D.C. with a degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts in Directing, in the year 2000.

Boseman was many things - an actor, an exemplary student, and a humanitarian. He starred in many roles and played as side-actors in some movies, with his most noticeable role being the Black Panther or T’Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Over the course of his career as an actor, Boseman was nominated for awards a total of 36 times, and of those 36 nominations, he bagged 8 of those. Not only did he do extraordinary in acting, but he has also excelled in his academics. During his years of studying at Howard University, he earned the degree of “Doctor of Humane Letters”. This goes to show how he is not only talented, but intelligent as well.

Besides this, Boseman gives back to the people. He has given $4.2 Million Dollars worth of PPEs to hospitals serving the Black Community by Thomas Tull and FIGS.

“I am hearing stories of desperation from people all over the country, and we know our communities are suffering the most and urgently need help,”

he wrote in one of his posts on Instagram. Boseman has also given one million dollars to STEM programs after the success of his movie, Black Panther. He has also voiced out about racism, defending his people as tensions seem to rise again. Not only has he changed lives, but he has also shaped lives. His acts will go down in history as a piece of work that was able to help many people. He has not only shown courage in this time of need, but he has also shown selflessness. Giving his all to give and serve his fans, friends and people, all while battling colon cancer.

He never mentioned to anyone besides his family about his illness. Going through several chemotherapy sessions and surgeries, he was still dedicated to his work and craft. He worked on a total of seven films whilst battling cancer. Last August 28 of this year, Chadwick succumbed to his illness. His death caused many people to pay tribute to him. His life has sparked everyone to become better people. Fans and actors alike have seen Boseman as a person with positivity, zest, and liveliness. Marvel Studios President and CCO, Kevin Feige, said,

"Each time he stepped on set, he radiated charisma and joy, and each time he appeared on screen, he created something truly indelible. Now he takes his place as an icon for the ages."

Chadwick has shown us the way to success. We should not tear others down to get up, and instead uplift others with us. Our lives should be centered on serving other people. We should always remain selfless, knowing that what we do can make a difference in someone's heart and mind. He has left footsteps that we should follow because he has done good to everyone. Chadwick has lived a life of love and service. We may have lost him physically, but we will always remember him dearly in our hearts. Keeping his words in our mind, and his actions in our hearts. Whatever we do, can affect people in many ways, so we should always aim to do the right thing because that can help change their minds and hearts to change into doing the right thing. Chadwick Aaron Boseman portrayed many characters - T’Challa, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and much more. He was not only an actor, nor just an exemplary student, nor a humanitarian only - no, he was much more than that - he was an inspiration, a man who changed the lives of thousands.