What Chadwick Boseman and Black Panther mean to a Ugandan family.
To my eight-year-old son, Tendo, Black Panther was one of his favorite superheroes that brought smiles to him. I never really knew who Chadwick Boseman was until I had the opportunity to watch Black Panther. As much as I knew that this was fiction and that Wakanda is only imaginative, what an imagination it is of a possibility for our country of Uganda and for Africa at large. I have always thought that Africa is gifted with so much wealth and potential, but our leaders are blind to this. The kingdom of Wakanda and King T’Challa make me believe in my own wild dreams that if the young are given the right skills, opportunities, and values, a real Wakanda world is possible.
To lose Chadwick leaves a hollowness in our hearts now. We need such leaders in Africa, now more than before. He may be gone, but his work is a seed for us and I am optimistic it will change our mindsets so that we can all begin to re-imagine Africa. Rest in Peace, King Chadwick Boseman. Wakanda forever!
We are also fans of Lupita Nyong’o, who played Nakia in Black Panther. Here’s what she had to say about her beloved friend and co-star. #TakeYourTimeButDontWasteYourTime
