Chadwick Boseman is now a memorable name since his leading role in Black Panther, playing the first Black superhero in mainstream American comic books. The Ryan Coogler-directed flick won the hearts of many thanks to Wakanda and its people and everything the movie represents not just in the film, but also in real life. Chadwick didn't necessarily have an easy road to success and he told the 2018 Howard University graduates of his first moments of being an actor.
One of Chadwick's first roles was in a soap opera playing a young African American without a father and a drug-addicted mother, forcing him to be pressured into a gang. “I found myself conflicted,” he said. “The role seemed to be wrapped up in assumptions about us as black folk – hardly any positivity.” When he confronted the producers about his feelings, they fired him. He used this story to urge students to stick by their values, because once the success comes, you can enjoy it better. “Take the harder way, the more complicated one, the one with more failures at first than successes. … then you will not regret it.”
He continued: "You would rather find purpose than a job or career. Purpose crosses disciplines. Purpose is an essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history. Whatever you choose as a career path, remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose."
Watch the full video below.