Chadwick Boseman Showed Black History As Regal. First Nations Australians Need Our Own Superhero.
Scrolling my social feeds after hearing that ‘Black Panther’ star Chadwick Boseman had died at age 43 of colorectal cancer, I felt shock and sadness as I realised my own community had also lost a hero.
It warmed my heart to see parents posting photos of their superhero children dressed in their Wakanda-inspired costumes across social media. Many were children of colour.
To see these children with their superhero ‘Black Panther’ toys proudly displayed showed the deep impact Boseman and this character had on many marginalised communities around the world. I felt sad for the young ones. They’d been given a superhero who reflected how they looked. An idol who was proud of his identity and culture and who elevated Black excellence on the big screen ― something Hollywood and the Australian media industry historically hasn’t done well. Now the actor who played him so brilliantly is gone.
For those unfamiliar with the story, the Black Panther is T’Challa, a member of the royal family of the fictional African country of Wakanda. After the death of his father, T’Challa claims the throne and the role of Black Panther.
While ‘Black Panther’ is reflective of communities of the African diaspora, here in Australia, Aboriginal people can also relate to many parts of the story. Scenes where the women were held in high regard and at the forefront of battle and leadership resonated with me and helped me realise that the people of Wakanda were heroes for First Nations people as well as the Black community in America.
The ‘Black Panther’ story was a powerful concept to me, a Gamilaraay man from Northern NSW, because it highlighted academic capability and flipped stereotypes on their head.
By showcasing the greatness and regalness of Black folks, it empowers many of us to think and look at the world from a different perspective.
In particular, I loved how women were portrayed as beautiful, fierce leaders. While I acknowledge that Aboriginal women are...
