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Mason Wilkes, 4, from South Carolina, poses for his father in a Black Panther costume, in front of a painting during a tribute to Chadwick Boseman. Image: AP / Brynn Anderson
Chadwick Boseman was remembered as a local hero who brought a sense of pride to his native Anderson, South Carolina.
The city paid tribute to Boseman at a public memorial Thursday night. The actor, who became very popular through “Black Panther,” was honored after he shockingly died last week at the age of 43 after a four-year private battle with colon cancer.
A viewing of “Black Panther” was held in an outdoor amphitheater where people practiced social distancing. Most of the attendees wore masks, while others, mostly children, dressed in Black Panther costumes.
A video of Chadwick Boseman during a graduation speech is played on the screen during a tribute to Boseman’s life. Image: AP / Brynn Anderson
Some Boseman artwork was displayed on stage during the tribute.
“He is the epitome of black excellence,” said Deanna Brown-Thomas, daughter of legendary singer James Brown and president of her father’s family foundation. She recalled when Boseman visited her family in Augusta, Georgia, before the actor played her father in the 2014 film “Get on Up.”
Boseman was a playwright who acted and directed on stage before playing the Marvel Comics character King T’Challa in “Black Panther,” which became one of the highest-grossing films in history. He also wowed audiences with his portrayal of other black icons, including Jackie Robinson in “42” and Thurgood Marshall in “Marshall,” and shone in other films like Spike Lee’s “Da 5 Bloods.”
Brown-Thomas joked about how his family mocked Boseman for being too tall to play his father. But he said Boseman was perfect for the role, admiring his humility as a high-profile actor.
“It wasn’t Hollywood, and that’s what I loved about him,” she said.
Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts said people in the city always knew that Boseman would be special.
“You know, I was always reading and always trying to improve,” Roberts said. “So from a work ethic standpoint, it just doesn’t happen overnight. It showed us that we have to hone our skills and just persevere. “
In Anderson, a city of about 28,000 people, “there is a deep sadness and pain, but it has a rebound that is a great inspiration,” said city spokeswoman Beth Batson. That’s because Boseman inspired so many people in the community, he said.
Khloe Murray, 5, from South Carolina, holds up her Black Panther doll during a tribute to Chadwick Boseman. Image: AP / Brynn Anderson
“It has been amazing to see the pain blossom, so to speak,” he said. “Now young people say ‘what can I do, what can I be’”.
Pastor Samuel Neely said that Boseman was active in church, speech, and debate. The pastor said he baptized Boseman. He also praised Boseman for having great character.
“Even though he plays these different people, I still see the person I knew as a kid,” said Neely, who was Boseman’s childhood pastor. “When I see it, it is almost like seeing my own son. It’s still Chad. “
Thursday’s tribute was not a funeral and members of Boseman’s immediate family did not plan to attend, Boseman’s publicist Nicki Fioravante said in a statement.
“On behalf of the Boseman family, we appreciate the community’s outpouring of love and admiration for Chadwick,” said Fioravante. RGA
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