By Aaliyah Butler
The Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts and the Office of Student Affairs celebrated Chadwick Boseman Day on Thursday, November 10. In honor of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” a panel discussion between family and friends of the late actor was conducted in the Blackburn Ballroom. Panelists included Kevin Boseman, Nyakya Brown, Nsangou Njikam, Nikkole Salter, and more.
During the event, panelists discussed the legacy, life and impact that Chadwick Boseman had, not only globally, but on them personally. They reminisced of their days on campus and the work on which they collaborated with Chadwick in the College of Fine Arts. When asked what one word described the gift his brother was given, Kevin Boseman responded, “connection.”
“Chad was so smart, brilliant, talented, driven, and passionate,” said Kevin, Chadwick’s older brother. “He was so much more than his cancer battle or even his celebrity.”
“Chad just was…he already knew he was global. He already knew the impact that he wanted to have in this world,” said Salter, chair of the College of Fine Arts.
Following the panel, the Howard community gathered on the Yard to celebrate the life of Chadwick A. Boseman, the release of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and bask in Howard arts. Campus organizations showcased their talents on the main stage rallied by African drums and the Howard University Gospel Choir. Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. performed a step routine following greetings from the College of Fine Arts Council. A candlelight vigil concluded the event within a campus-wide rendition of “He Lives in You” from Disney’s “The Lion King.”
According to Variety, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has dominated the box offices earning $180n million in one weekend since its debut. After bringing in $8.1 million on Thanksgiving, the superhero sequel exploded, adding $18.2 million more in ticket sales to its haul. “Wakanda Forever” is the only resounding box office success story this season, on target to push beyond a $350 million domestic gross.
