RIP Chadwick Boseman: Fans explain what ‘Marvel Black Panther’ meant

The highly-acclaimed “Black Panther” movie was released in February 2018 with a culturally-relevant soundtrack, creative costumes and an all-star cast, including the late Chadwick Boseman. “As a creator, as an entrepreneur of color, just seeing the Black Panther movie made me realize that our stories need to be told on screen. There’s so many of us out here who are trying to create great things. I was just so inspired as someone who wants to make movies one day, wants to inspire people, that art can really change the world.” Representation of color is important. It gives the kids hope. Boseman was a hero in the Black community. Our hero. No longer cast as a sidekick, Boseman’s Black Panther proudly symbolized so much progress. I can say that so many people felt celebrated for everything Black culture is in a world that frequently reminds us of what we aren't. Black Panther" wasn't just another stereotype. Boseman's character was the king of the fictional country of Wakanda, a nation rich in history, tradition, technology and vibranium – a far cry from the bleak and desolate images of Africa that are often portrayed in films. He was a prime example and light to people across the globe of "Black Excellence".

-Rajeev Pahuja