Twitter: Saying Goodbye And Thank You To Boseman
Straight up, 2020 sucks. Friday night, I sat down my 10-year-old to tell him that Chadwick Boseman — THE Black Panther — had passed away.
This was really the first time I had to rush to tell him anything before any online media did the job; we saw Black Panther several times in the theater.
He’s a big Marvel fan. I wish I had seen this tweet from Muppet History before I talked to Jack.
In 1983, after the passing of Mr. Hooper actor Will Lee, Sesame Street made the decision to be honest with their viewers and explained what had happened: Mr. Hooper had died.
One of the most important moments in television history.pic.twitter.com/7bGp230h6l
— Muppet History (@HistoryMuppet) August 29, 2020
And, eventually, I realized that I had to throw in some self-care. I am pretty upset about Boseman’s passing, too.
Online Outpouring About Boseman
Obviously, I am not alone. For good (and for bad) and mostly for sad, Twitter exploded. And, while I perused the platform for some time over the evening, the sorrow became overwhelming. So, part of that self-care was shutting off my phone.
However, looking over the Twitter this evening, I’d say there were some VERY nice tribute tweets on my timeline – forget the junk. And there was a lot of junk.
Thankfully, our own Melissa Roden wrote poignantly about Josh Gad’s post:
Josh Gad Shares The Last Conversation He Had With Friend Chadwick Boseman
And then I found:
Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman has died at age 43.
In 2018, he went back to his old university to tell students that they can fight racism and change the world. pic.twitter.com/megt4i1xkg
— AJ+ (@ajplus) August 29, 2020
Our hearts are broken and our thoughts are with Chadwick Boseman’s family. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/YQMrEJy90x
— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) August 29, 2020
Devastating news. Rest in power brother Chadwick. Love to your family and all your loved ones you’ll always be our King. #wakandaforever https://t.co/ZpBUpIuBBp
— Ahmed BEst (@ahmedbest) August 29, 2020
Chadwick forever. pic.twitter.com/XngvWztkFs
— Matt Martin (@missingwords) August 29, 2020
RIP Chadwick Boseman. Thank you for all the joy you brought while you graced this Earth. Thank you for bringing Black Panther to life and inspiring millions. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/PTUBLJYSex
— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) August 29, 2020
Chadwick Boseman's ability to generate enormous power with the appearance of minimal strain was both an art and a mark of personality, of devotion and a humility, @tnyfrontrow writes. https://t.co/nnvCOuFHO3
— The New Yorker (@NewYorker) August 30, 2020
Wakanda Forever
Rest In Power, Chadwick Boseman. pic.twitter.com/eA57zFhRDB
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 30, 2020
I’m absolutely devastated. This is beyond heartbreaking.
Chadwick was special. A true original. He was a deeply committed and constantly curious artist. He had so much amazing work still left to create. I’m endlessly grateful for our friendship. Rest in power, King💙 pic.twitter.com/oBERXlw66Z
— Chris Evans (@ChrisEvans) August 29, 2020
Such a sad loss. Craziest thing when you figure you’ll see someone again, and then suddenly, you know you won’t. Every day alive merits gratitude. pic.twitter.com/PIObqJ6kUn
— Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) August 29, 2020
— Holly Frey (@surliestgirl) August 29, 2020
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our friend Chadwick Boseman. Two years ago, Chadwick visited the St. Jude campus and brought with him not only toys for our patients but also joy, courage and inspiration. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. pic.twitter.com/Jk0Bv4MZpv
— St. Jude (@StJude) August 29, 2020
Rest In Power. The beauty you brought to the world will live on. Wakanda Forever. pic.twitter.com/dRRIwL4dYX
— Star Wars (@starwars) August 29, 2020
I feel like someone just punched me in the gut. pic.twitter.com/nJdfH9cSoh
— Star Wars Explained (@StarWarsExplain) August 29, 2020
Chadwick was such an elegant man with great integrity and tremendous talent. He inspired an entire generation to stand up and be king. Honor him by emulating him-show kindness and love to others. Share your talents in ways that impact. Always strive to be a light in the darkness. pic.twitter.com/8XRpRejnf7
— Russo Brothers (@Russo_Brothers) August 29, 2020
Mr. Boseman leveled the playing field while fighting for his life… That’s heroism. I’ll remember the good times, the laughter, and the way he changed the game… #chadwickforever @chadwickboseman pic.twitter.com/IFfCSmLrhR
— Robert Downey Jr (@RobertDowneyJr) August 29, 2020
We are all heartbroken by the tragic loss of #chadwickboseman — an extraordinary talent, and one of the most gentle and giving souls I have ever met. He brought enormous strength, dignity and depth to his groundbreaking role of Black Panther; shattering myths and stereotypes,
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) August 29, 2020
For his friends and millions of fans, his absence from the screen is only eclipsed by his absence from our lives. All of us at Disney send our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family.
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) August 29, 2020
May you have a beautiful return, King. We will miss you so. pic.twitter.com/jdip3RHoXb
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 29, 2020
i will miss you, birthday brother. you were always light and love to me. my god … ✌🏿♥️✊🏿 🙅🏿♂️ forever and ever … https://t.co/9pORaKZuQN pic.twitter.com/awX3DiTVwn
— Don Cheadle (@DonCheadle) August 29, 2020
I don’t have words. Rest In Peace, Bruh. Thank you for all you did while you were here. Thank you for being a friend. You are loved. You will be missed. 🤜🏿🤛🏿 https://t.co/8rK4dWmorq
— Sterling K Brown (@SterlingKBrown) August 29, 2020
Heartbroken. My friend and fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman was brilliant, kind, learned, and humble. He left too early but his life made a difference. Sending my sincere condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/C5xGkUi9oZ
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 29, 2020
And, fittingly, President Obama posted this tribute fit for a king:
Chadwick came to the White House to work with kids when he was playing Jackie Robinson. You could tell right away that he was blessed. To be young, gifted, and Black; to use that power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years. https://t.co/KazXV1e7l7
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 29, 2020
Honestly, it’s just such a sad, sad thing to read. Can you believe it? Chadwick Boseman — THE Black Panther — has passed. Tears are flowing. Sadness reigns.
I sincerely hope all of us pledge ourselves to touch only a fraction of the lives Boseman did…
#WakandaForever
