ANDERSON, S.C. (AP) – Chadwick Boseman was remembered as a hometown hero who brought a sense of pride to his native Anderson, South Carolina.
The city paid tribute to Boseman in a public memorial on Thursday evening. The actor, who became widely popular through “Black Panther,” was honored after he shockingly died last week at the age of 43 following a private four-year battle with colon cancer.
A viewing of “Black Panther” was held at an outdoor amphitheater where people practiced social distancing. Most attendees wore masks, while others – mostly kids – dressed up in Black Panther costumes.
Some artwork of Boseman was displayed onstage during the tribute.
“He is the epitome of black excellence,” said Deanna Brown-Thomas, the daughter of legendary singer James Brown and president of her father’s family foundation. She remembered when Boseman visited her family in Augusta, Georgia, before the actor portrayed her father in the 2014 film “Get on Up.”