FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kristia Winter, Communications Director
KWinter@council.nyc.gov, 718-629-2900
BROOKLYN, NY—Council Member Farah N. Louis (D-Brooklyn) released the following statement after Chadwick Boseman, star of Marvel Studios’ groundbreaking film Black Panther, died on Saturday after battling stage IV colon cancer. He was 43 years old.
STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOUIS
“As the world and fans of Chadwick Boseman learned about his tragic death last Saturday, I shared their sentiments. I was heartbroken and devastated by the loss of a man with extraordinary talent who helped bridge the gap between racial justice in the entertainment industry and the African diaspora through his body of work. Chadwick pushed and advocated for diversity amongst Black actors in the film industry and inspired a new generation of young people to see themselves as kings and queens, celebrating their skills, talents, blackness, and overall culture.
“Chadwick brought enormous dignity and depth to his trailblazing role of Black Panther, shattering myths and stereotypes, becoming a long-awaited Black hero to millions around the world, and inspiring us all to dream bigger and demand more than the status quo. We mourn the loss of Chadwick because we know everything he was destined to become.
“While diagnosed with colon cancer, Chadwick, a real fighter, persevered. He is also known for his acclaimed performances as Jackie Robinson (2013), as James Brown in Get On Up (2014), and as Thurgood Marshall in Marshall (2017)—first appeared on screen in what would become his most iconic role in Marvel Studios’ Captain America: Civil War. The highly anticipated Black Panther was released in 2018. The film—and the nation of Wakanda in which the movie is set—quickly became a global cultural phenomenon, inspiring millions of fans worldwide. All were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.
“As a Marvel fan, I am very grateful to have witnessed in my lifetime what I consider as one of his best films ever, the Black Panther. I will always remember Chadwick for inspiring me with his amazing character, ‘T’Challa,’ the smart, strategic, and disciplined superhero that became a Black leader responsible for an entire nation and handled it humbly with style and grace.
“All of us in District 45 send our prayers and heartfelt condolences to Chadwick’s, fans, family, and friends.”
New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis represents the 45th Council District, which is comprised of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, & Kensington in Brooklyn, NY. She is a member of the committees on Civil Service and Labor; Economic Development; Education; Finance; Housing and Buildings; Youth Services; and Justice System. Council Member Louis is the Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus and Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus.
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