Chadwick Boseman

“We know what it's like to be told there isn't a screen for you to be featured on, a stage for you to be featured on. [...] We know what it's like to be beneath and not above. And that is what we went to work with every day. We knew that we could create a world that exemplified a world we wanted to see. We knew that we had something to give.” Boseman accepting the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture in 2019. Chadwick Boseman's journey to stardom was a testament to his multifaceted talents, deeply rooted convictions, and unwavering commitment to his craft. His ascent began in 2002, not on the silver screen, but on the stage, where he honed his skills as a playwright and actor, earning accolades for his performances and contributions to the Hip-hop theater movement. Boseman's integrity and commitment to authenticity led him to challenge racial stereotypes in the industry, ultimately costing him his role in the TV series "All My Children", which eventually went to his future “Black Panther” co-star Michael B. Jordan. This pivotal moment showcased his courage and conviction, setting the stage for a career defined by purpose and principle. He then went on to earn notable successes in both sports dramas like "42," where he embodied the legendary Jackie Robinson, and biopics like "Get on Up," where he personified James Brown. However, it was his portrayal of T'Challa in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that catapulted Boseman to global superstardom. And despite his rise to fame, Boseman remained grounded, using his platform to champion causes close to his heart and uplift marginalized voices, shaping conversations around representation and diversity in Hollywood. Boseman was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2016, which eventually took his life in 2020. He never spoke publicly about his cancer diagnosis, and only a handful of non-family members knew that Boseman was sick, with varying degrees of knowledge about the severity of his condition. During these years he still continued to work and completed production for several films, including “Marshall”, “Da 5 Bloods”, “Ma Rainey”, and others.