By: Jeremiah Holloway (’22), Managing Editor
While 2020 has been an incredibly difficult year for people around the world, it has been especially hard for Black people.
Not only have we experienced an increase in police brutality. Not only have we been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. We have also seen the tragic deaths of incredibly iconic figures within our Black community.
In January, we lost Kobe Bryant in a tragic helicopter accident. In July, we lost John Lewis to stage four pancreatic cancer. In August, we lost Chadwick Boseman to stage four colon cancer. Other legendary figures, including Betty Wright, Bill Withers, and Little Richard, have passed this year as well.
With all of the turmoil happening in the world around us, why do we mourn the loss of those who we have never even met? Does our response to these deaths reveal that we glorify celebrities and famous people?
I remember these feelings going through my mind when I heard news of these passings, beginning with Kobe. My heart went out to his family, as well as the families who lost people on that helicopter. Not only was it a sudden passing, but everyone in that plane was young, including Kobe Bryant. Admittedly, I never was a fan of his. But that didn’t stop me from grieving. I always recognized his impact on the game of basketball, but seeing how everyone came together and paid respect to his greatness was truly incredible.
When John Lewis passed away, it gave us a chance to truly revere a legendary civil rights activist. Though he lived a long life, his passing came at a time in which we were reeling as a community. He committed his life to fighting for Black people during the Civil Rights Movement, when his life and the lives of many other activists were at risk everyday.
Chadwick Boseman’s death seemed to be the last straw for me. Randomly looking down at my phone and seeing the news was beyond devastating. He embodied both fictional characters and important Black figures in a way no one could. The Black Panther film in 2018 was a cultural phenomenon. Kids not only got to have a Black superhero, but one that was culturally relevant to them. One that was powerful because of his abilities and powerful because of his heritage.
Despite my reactions to those moments, I never met any of those men. But maybe I didn’t need to.
Year after year, we are reminded of how many impactful people we have in the Black community. Met with mourning is a celebration of life. What these people have done for the culture directly impacts our lives. The performances, songs, and inspirational moments from these iconic figures can be appreciated on their own. With those things, however, comes an appreciation for the person behind them.
Grieving over the deaths of our icons is only natural. When they were alive, they made you feel a certain way. It’s not much different when they pass.
Feel free to feel. It’s how we pay our respects.
Sources:
https://heavy.com/entertainment/2020/08/chadwick-boseman-cause-of-death/
