A Tribute From Courtney Diane

I keep thinking that it's not real.

No one would have ever thought that the Black Panther is gone.

_

I remember the day that I went to see Black Panther in theaters. When my mom announced what we were going to see, I honestly didn't want to see it. I wasn't a fan of action/superhero movies.

Hours later, I walked out of the movie theaters with a completely different opinion. That movie changed my life.

It was so good, and it meant a lot to me as an African-American female.

That was the first day that I'd ever seen Chadwick Boseman. He played his part so well.

A few days ago I found out that while they were filming, he was undergoing chemo and surgeries.

If that doesn't shout superhero to you, I don't know what will.

He was so strong and brave.

I later watch 42, where he played Jackie Robinson, and as always, he did not disappoint.

A few weeks ago, my family and I began binge-watching the series Lincoln Heights. I remember my mom vaguely mentioning that Chadwick played on here, but I'd forgotten.

One night last week while we were watching it, my mom got a call from her sister. I couldn't hear what she was saying, but someone had died. I heard my mom say, "I hope it's not true because we were just watching that show, Lincoln Heights, that he was on."

The first person that came to my mind was Russel Hornsby. I thought wow, I wonder how old he was.

My mom put her phone on speaker as she began to search for something. My brother looked over her shoulder to see what she was looking at.

"Chadwick Boseman died?" he asked.

I froze. That could NOT be true. Not T'Challa, the Black Panther.

I was so shocked. He was so young.

This hit me the same way it did back in July 2019, when I learned that Cameron Boyce has passed away.

All of these great people.

It might not mean anything, but people have been saying that every month in 2020, something bad happens, like in January when we lost Kobe.

Maybe it's true.

Another thing I noticed, was that Chadwick's initials are C.B., the same as Cameron Boyce, and almost the same as Kobe Bryant.

Maybe it's just a coincidence.

C.B, C.B, K.B.

May you all rest in peace.

At least they won't suffer in this awful Pandemic anymore.

I'm going to miss seeing Chadwick's wonderful acting.

But there's this saying that I thought about.

I heard you die twice, once when they bury you in the grave, and the second time is the last time that somebody mentions your name.

Let's no forget Chadwick, let us continue to embrace his legacy, and make sure that he is remembered.

~ Wakanda Forever~