After the demise of Black Panther co-star Chadwick Boseman on Friday, Michael B. Jordan finally broke his silence. 43-year-old Boseman died of colon cancer after being diagnosed in 2016. It was in the movie when Jordan 33 had played the role of villain Killmonger to Boseman’s King T’Challa, and during then the pair had spent a lot of time together.
On Monday night, Jordon posted a heartfelt tribute to Boseman on Instagram and expressed deep grief while saying that nothing comes close to how he feels. Jordon posted photos of him and Boseman and said that he has been reflecting on every moment, every conversation, every laugh, every hug, every disagreement, and wished that they had more time together.
Boseman had once said that they were linked forever and now after his demise, the meaning of that sentence seems more truthful than ever. He also added that at the beginning of his career, when he was only 16-years-old and started with All My Children, Boseman was the one to pave the way for him. He had shown him how to be better, honor purpose, and create a legacy. And, since then has always been watching, learning, and getting motivated by Boseman’s greatness. Everything that he has given the world, the legends, and heroes that he has shown resides in every individual shall live on forever.
Jordan also went onto say that Boseman never lost sight of what he loved the most. He was like a big brother to him and he deeply regrets to not thank him or give flowers while he was alive.
He wrote that he is certainly going to miss his honesty, generosity, sense of humor, and all the incredible gifts, including sharing space with him. Jordan concluded by saying that he is dedicating the rest of his days to live the way he did, with grace, courage, and no regrets. He shall always remain the king, and prayed for him to Rest in Power.
On Sunday, Black Panther director Ryan Coogler posted his heartfelt message to Boseman saying that he was unaware of Boseman’s cancer diagnosis before his death. He said that Chad deeply valued his privacy and never shared his state of illness the entire time he knew him. He was a caretaker, a leader, and a man of faith, dignity, and pride who shielded his collaborators from his suffering. He lived a great life and made great art, year after year, and that shows who he was. He was an epic firework in display and he shall share some of the brilliant sparks till the end of his days that shows what an incredible mark he has left for them all.
In African cultures, they refer to the loved ones who have passed on as ancestors, and sometimes they are genetically related, and sometimes not. And, with a heavy heart he now has to say that Chad is an ancestor now and that he shall surely watch over them until they meet again.
There is no public funeral or memorial plans for Boseman, although there have been rumblings of Boseman statue being erected to replace a Confederate monument in his hometown of Anderson, S.C., however, no certain plans have been revealed so far.
