Newark’s Michael Jordan Mourns Chadwick Boseman: ‘Forever Linked’

NEWARK, NJ — It’s hard to find the words to mourn, sometimes. And when Newark native Michael B. Jordan tries to find the right way to express his sense of loss over the death of his fellow actor, Chadwick Boseman, nothing manages to come close to how he truly feels.

On Monday, Jordan offered a touching memorial to his former co-star, who turned out iconic performances as Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson and James Brown before his role as T'Challa in the blockbuster adaptation of “Black Panther.”

Boseman died of cancer Friday. He was 43.

• See related article: Chadwick Boseman, Who Embodied Black Icons, Dies Of Cancer

Jordan posted a social media message about Boseman’s passing, repeating a mournful mantra: “I wish we had more time.”

His full post reads:

“I’ve been trying to find the words, but nothing comes close to how I feel. I’ve been reflecting on every moment, every conversation, every laugh, every disagreement, every hug…everything.

“I wish we had more time.

“One of the last times we spoke, you said we were forever linked, and now the truth of that means more to me than ever. Since nearly the beginning of my career, starting with ‘All My Children’ when I was 16-years-old, you paved the way for me. You showed me how to be better, honor purpose and create legacy. And whether you’ve known it or not … I’ve been watching, learning and constantly motivated by your greatness.

“I wish we had more time.

“Everything you’ve given the world … the legends and heroes that you’ve shown us we are … will live on forever. But the thing that hurts the most is that I now understand how much of a legend and hero YOU are. Through it all, you never lost sight of what you loved most. You cared about your family, your friends, your craft, your spirit. You cared about the kids, the community, our culture and humanity. You cared about me. You are my big brother, but I never fully got a chance to tell you, or to truly give you your flowers while you were here.

“I wish we had more time.

“I'm more aware now than ever that time is short with people we love and admire. I’m gonna miss your honesty, your generosity, your sense of humor, and incredible gifts. I’ll miss the gift of sharing space with you in scenes. I’m dedicating the rest of my days to live the way you did. With grace, courage and no regrets. ‘Is this your king!?’ Yes. he. is! Rest In Power Brother.”

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