Cosplays By Shinobi/Chris Carthern

#RepresentationMatters.  This was the last title of my previous guest article. 

Chadwick Boseman was a huge part of representation in movies for people that looked like me. I was shocked and hit hard by his death. Like most I was unaware of his four-year battle with cancer.  He became an even greater hero in my eyes after learning the cancer treatment he endured and how he sacrificed himself to provide us with the representation that we deserved. He was more than a movie and a character.  He was more than a black superhero. 

White people don’t have to think about this because they see themselves represented in nearly every major studio movie. There are infinite representations of positive and successful white people that constantly let them know that their potential has no bounds.  We were expected to be satisfied to have had ONE black President. Isn’t that representation enough? NO. Black people are constantly searching for representation in the media that we can relate to, that shows us as humans. That shows that we matter.  How can people begin to understand us or our plight in this world if we are not represented? Black Panther was this representation for us. 

Chadwick had an insane amount of pressure that the likes of Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey, Jr. and Chris Evans never feel. While battling colon cancer, Chadwick had the weight of the entire black race that rarely see themselves represented as a hero on the big screen. If Black Panther is not a successful movie, we may never get another movie. The previous characters didn’t face that same burden. Chadwick allowed us to see ourselves not only as heroes but also as royalty. His portrayal in Captain America: Civil War inspired me to cosplay the Black Panther which was the start of my journey in cosplay.  

We saw what an African country looks like that has not been colonized and was also the wealthiest and most technologically advanced nation in the world. Black Panther mattered and it was necessary. This was bigger than a movie. Chadwick became our superhero. He transcended the superhero genre. Hearing all the stories from everyone that was touched by Chadwick displays just how brilliant, caring and how big of heart he had. He had a purpose that would deeply affect millions of people all over the world. 

I attended the European Black Panther Premiere where Chadwick and most of the cast were in attendance. I have never been a part of a movement that generated so much happiness and love for black people. I showed up in an African tunic ready to represent. I was with my cosplay family as their photographer for the event. I took a photo that was posted by Lupita Nyong’o on Instagram and the following night when we met Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, we found out that she also sent the photo in their group chat. He recognized us and spent time talking with us. We were officially part of something huge that cannot be quantified.  

Chadwick’s portrayal of the Black Panther proved that black-led and directed movies, when given a major budget, will do well to worldwide audiences. This movie allowed me to send an entire class of black kids to see the movie. It meant a lot to them. Each of them created hand-written thank you notes, and the teacher sent them to me. This is why representation matters. I remember seeing the viral video of young Atlanta students dancing in their classroom when it was announced they would see the movie together. This is why representation matters. Because of Chadwick I have been treated as royalty in 3 countries while dressed as the Black Panther. Because of him I was surprised by an entire cinema full of people singing happy birthday to me as the Black Panther. Afterwards I led the cinema in a Yibambe chant. Because of Chadwick I have been able to raise money for mental health charities while cosplaying as the Black Panther. I have been able to meet terminally ill kids that for that moment are filled with happiness. Thanks to him I have been able to inspire kids of all races.  

Thank you for giving us representation Chadwick. Your portrayal of Black Panther meant a great deal to the always underrepresented black community. You inspired generations and we will take up the mantle and make sure your legacy lives on through all of us. Wakanda Forever.