I remember when I lined up among a huge crowd just to be able to squeeze into the movie theater and see Black Panther. I would do that same thing at least 3 times more times. Why? Because it was one of the first times where I saw people who looked like me put on the big screen as super heroes. It was one of the first times I felt like the world as an African or African American actually made sense; a world of an intelligent people who were fully aware of who they were and what they could bring to the world. The world they created I desperately wish I could be in.
The movie “Blank Panther” for many people, especially those who share the same skin color as me, was revolutionary because it showed that black is beautiful, strong, talented, and intelligent. All those emotions flooded over me in another way when I heard the news of the passing of the star of the show.
On August 28, 2020, Chadwick Boseman succumbed to his battle with colon cancer at the age of 43. This sad news was delivered to me by my husband who was in disbelief. Later I then saw the same disbelief and sadness plastered on the pages of so many of my social media friends. Even in this spirit of grief, each person reflected not only on the iconic movie “Black Panther”, along with the legacy and the heart of Chadwick.
Many times Chadwick would speak of the POWER OF PURPOSE. He would call individuals out of their hiding and encourage them to stand strong in their God-given purpose and talent. Can you imagine that even during these times he would speak these words he was in the midst of having Stage III and later Stage IV colon cancer?
For me, it really made me step back and look at my life. What have I been holding back from others? Am I fulfilling my true purpose on this planet? For many of us, we do not have the excuse of having a terminal illness holding us from our dreams. And frankly, Chadwick showed us that even if we did…there is also purpose in that. We can still live our dreams on our terms no matter what happens in life. It’s up to us to choose that and to lean into it.
Today I urge you to lean into your passion and purpose. Don’t let another day go by without taking steps toward doing what you have been created to do. We know in the midst of 2020 and COVID that life is not guaranteed. We never can predict what will happen tomorrow, BUT we can DO something today that really matters.
Dr. Amber Robins is a board-certified family medicine doctor practicing in Washington, DC, and graduate of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. She is a recent Health and Media fellow graduate from Georgetown University and PBS News Hour. She is the author and founder of “The Chronicles of Women in White Coats” and “The Write Prescription: Finding the ‘Right’ Spiritual Dosage to Overcome Any Obstacle” with her own website and blog at www.AmberRobinsMD.com.
