In light of his shock death from colon cancer at the age of 43, fans of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman are calling on the actor’s hometown of Anderson, South Carolina, to replace a Confederate monument with a statue commemorating the late star.
Multiple petitions have been launched on Change.org proposing the idea, with one petition stating:
“Mr Boseman spent his life uplifting the stories of Black Americans both real and fictional. In addition to his illustrious film career, Mr Boseman made it a mission to give back to his community. … Mr Boseman is without question an American treasure and his accolades go on and on. It is only fitting that his work is honoured in the same place that birthed him.”
The monument fans are hoping to replace with that of the actor’s was dedicated to the Confederate veterans of Anderson County and erected in 1902. Under South Carolina’s Heritage Act, a two-thirds vote of the state legislature is required to remove war monuments from public places.
“We must move past the tragedies of our past in this nation and celebrate new heroes,” the petition continued.
“Mr Boseman is a hero to this nation but more importantly a hero to the town of Anderson. His legacy was one of excellence and equality. As fellow citizens go about their day they should have a face that sees all people as equal.” It currently has over 14,000 signatures and counting.
Chadwick Boseman’s death was revealed last Friday by his family, who also confirmed that his wife, Taylor Simone Ledward, was by his side when he passed.
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” the statement read. “From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more- all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy. It was the honour of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther.”
