Prominent global citizens, celebrities pay tributes to Black Panther star Boseman

Late African American actor, Chadwick Boseman

By OMOLOLA AFOLABI

Eminent global citizens and celebrities have continued to pour rousing tributes on late “Black panther”, African American actor, Chadwick Boseman, who died battling stage three colon cancer at 43.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, in a tweet, said: “The true power of @ChadwickBoseman was bigger than anything we saw on screen.

“From the Black Panther to Jackie Robinson, he inspired generations and showed them they can be anything they want — even superheroes. Jill and I are praying for his loved ones at this difficult time.

“From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.”

His running mate, Kamala Harris, tweeted: “Heartbroken, my friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned and humble, he left too early but his life made a difference, sending my condolences to his family”.

President of Howard University, which Bozeman attended, Wayne Frederick, said:

“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of alumnus Chadwick Boseman who passed away this evening.

“His incredible talent will forever be immortalized through his characters and through his own personal journey from student to superhero! Rest in Power, Chadwick!”

Boseman “brought history to life” with his roles, Martin Luther King III said.

“As Black Panther, he was also a superhero to many,” he wrote on Twitter. “And despite his 4 year-long battle with cancer, he kept fighting and he kept inspiring. He will be missed.”

Director of Marvel Studios, the producers of Black Panther, Kevin Feigi, said Chadwick’s passing is absolutely devastating, he was our Tchala, our black panther and our dear friend, he radiated charisma and joy and each time he on screen, he created something truly indelible, the Marvel Studio family deeply mourns and we are grieving tonight with his family”.

Actor Denzel Washington, who was in very close contact with late Boseman described him as “brilliant”.

He said he was a gentle soul and a brilliant artist, who will stay with us for eternity through his iconic performances over his short yet illustrious career”.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in a tweet, said: “In 2018, I joined my children to watch the much talked about “Black Panther”.

“Chadwick Boseman was an unprecedented witty act and his excellence was consistent across his many other movies, he will be dearly missed.

Nollywood diva Genevieve Nnaji tweeted: “You left a mark that will not be forgotten, rest in power brother”.

Boseman died of colon cancer on Friday at 43 after battling the disease for years.

Medical experts have said colorectal cancer cases among younger people are going up — with cases among those under 50 increasing since the 1990s, according to a March report by the American Cancer Society. (The Nation)