Someone in the trenches

YOU CAN BE A SUPERHERO! This may be a lengthy read but I promise you it is worth it! In the spirit of Black Awareness Month, I want to shine the spotlight on Denzel Washington and pay tribute to Chadwick Boseman The Black Panther. However, for this story to fully sink in, I want to set the stage by sharing a short analogy.

Here we go!

During world war 1, soldiers dug trenches to be protected from bullets and other incoming attacks, together they fought while living in the mud to defend the country they loved so that the people within that country can live better lives. The people knew their soldiers were in the trenches but it was impossible for them to know each one of those unspoken heroes.

Now think of it this way. Nowadays we don't spend a whole lot of time in actual trenches but are, in a way, still in them. We are still digging to protect our families from incoming attacks so that we can all live better lives. This could be working for a promotion for better pay, studying in higher levels of education for a better future, purchasing overpriced insurance for security, and so on. It's hard work! But rewarding nonetheless.

With Covid-19, political strife, financial crisis, and natural disasters still causing chaos in this world, we may feel like our trenches aren't enough. That we require more help. In need of someone in this trench to lift us and fortify us every now and then.

Recently, that someone for me was Denzel Washington. As I learned from him I noticed that he is a person no different from you or me. I'm talking about someone who was born in the trenches with us, who is living a normal life yet able to influence others because he first made a name for himself due to his incredible dedicatory work ethic and positive attitude! It's crazy how much of a difference he has made simply by playing his role in life. Today I give you the colossal impact of Oscar-winning American actor Denzel Washington!

The other day I was watching Edward Zwick's 1989 war movie Glory. A true story about the first all-African-American regiment in the United States. During the last battle, I found a spark of inspiration ignite within me because of a particular scene where Private Trip (played by Denzel) stood up to pick up the American flag amid the heavy fire. It was strange because throughout the movie I couldn't connect with his character at all he was the soldier I was least rooting for. Yet for some reason, Pvt. Trip's final act of courage hit my powder keg. I mean, look at his face and tell me there's no emotion there!

I've felt this way before. The raging fire of inspiration, the adrenaline, the 'I can do anything' type of feeling that bursts without thought or being paralyzed deep down to the core, similar to the butterfly feeling when someone of the opposite sex attracts you; but with more power! Once the movie was over I wanted to know more about Mr. Washington. What was his story? And why should I care?

After digging through his bibliography followed by several youtube videos, I was left in great awe asking myself "Why haven't I learned about any of this before?! THIS IS GOLD!!!" There's more to Washington's story than meets the eye!

1st, He unites the world through film.

I was intrigued by the similarities between many of his movies. Not all, but most of the ones I read about were either real stories or real-life events that tackle the major issue of racism. Besides Glory here are a couple more:

1. Malcolm X - A black activist and leader of the struggle for black liberation.
2. The great debaters - The true story of the 1930's black debating team.
3. The hurricane - A boxer sentenced to life imprisonment in 1967 for murders he didn’t commit. Singled out and set up by a racist cop.
4. Cry Freedom - A South African Black Consciousness Movement leader who attempts to bring awareness to the injustice of apartheid.
5. Remember The Titans - The integration of black and white students in Virginia where the football team breaks cliché and stereotypes.

Denzel Washington has been playing influential roles throughout his career! He has been terminating racism by the roles he chooses to play. No wonder Mahershala Ali said the following:

"Mr. Washington's arrival was a seismic moment for my generation... he paved the way, he showed us the path, but what is truly monumental is that your influence, your reach, transcends race without ever denying it. There are young people across this country and around the world of every color and ethnicity who are inspired and want to be like you...We are here because we stand on the shoulders of a giant"

2nd, Even without fame, Denzel Washington has lived an influential life.

He was born in Mount Vernon New York, having lived through relatable trials such as family crises, financial issues, and educational struggles. Notwithstanding, if you take a look at him today, you'll see his success speaks louder than words! If I were to sum up the cause of his achievements in one sentence I would use the words I once heard him say.

Who knows... maybe you too will be famous one day! Like Denzel, you could grow from ordinary to extraordinary!!

I'm not saying he's perfect for he surely has made some mistakes, but his desire to work hard truly has taken him places. And not just his career but his family exemplifies as well. American Actress Julia Roberts said:

What I remember so well is meeting your Pauletta and all of your kids and seeing how you value your family above all else. The two of you inspired me then and continue to inspire me today.

What I admire about Denzel Washington is that he showed us that 'someone' could be anyone. Among us, we have a tremendous example of an ordinary black man who made a name for himself simply by playing his role in life as best he can. For someone who has played many influential roles in movies, Washington truly manifests those same qualities of each character he played on and off the big screen.

3rd, He's a living superhero!

This one connects with both the 1st and 2nd ones. It's one thing to live an influential life and another to unite the world through film. These are things that are easily observed with the naked eye. But what about the hidden gems? The little things that have a tremendous impact. I purposefully saved the best for last for you to see the type of person Denzel Washington really is. Additionally, for you to consider the small things you can do be that 'someone in the trench' for another.

Check out this tribute Chadwick Boseman paid YEARS after Denzel Washington, someone he at the time did not know, privately contributed to lift young Chad.

DOESN'T THAT RILE YOU UP TO BE BETTER!!! IT SURE DOES FOR ME!!

When I first heard Chad unfold the truth about his journey toward becoming The Black Panther, my respect for Denzel skyrocketed off the charts! Denzel intended to help; nothing more. It must've felt really good for him to see such a big result from something he personally expected nothing out of. Because of him, the world saw Chad, and because of Chad, the world was inspired by The Black Panther! Time magazine worded it like this.

Hollywood has never produced a blockbuster this splendidly black.

What a huge cultural impact! When it hit theaters Chad remembered what Denzel did for him, so Chad in return used the money he earned to pay for movie theaters to be built in areas where movies weren't available. So that kids could have the opportunity to watch The Black Panther and be inspired all the same. Now... the message behind it all only gets stronger from here. I wish Chad's story would continue today, however, unfortunately, it doesn't. Sadly due to colon cancer, Chadwick Boseman passed away on August 28th, 2020 after a four-year battle with the disease.

Chad kept the secret to himself while giving the world his absolute best. He was a beam of light that couldn't be contained. An absolute champion that left a legacy in such a short period of time. Being someone in the trench himself, he overcame turmoil by living as happy as he did and serving others just like his benefactor Denzel. I remember sitting on the bleachers watching my football team make another great play, then receiving a notification updating me on the news of his passing, shocking me to the point where I had to forward the message to let my friends know. They too were bumbed out.

Denzel's small act of kindness opened a pathway of success for the legendary Chadwick Boseman while teaching us all in the process how to be a superhero by applying what author Brodi Ashton wrote:

“Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.”

To summarize everything

Denzel Washington's contribution to the world has made a monumental impact. He has and will continue to shatter the barrier of racism, he has and will continue to live an exemplary life influencing generations to come, and he has and will continue to be a superhero serving others in the trenches by doing the small and simple things.

"What is it that inspires us to try like hell to reach for that bar that you have set so high? In the mind-numbing weary world that we all live in we need heroes, we need superheroes, like Denzel, to remind us that we are all one people, you unite us, you inspire us, thank you for leading the way" - Michael B. Jordan

I'm grateful I had the opportunity to write this down and even more so for you the reader to have taken the time to read all of it. My final remark to you would be that it doesn't have to be Black Awareness Month to shine the spotlight on a black role model, or anyone for that matter. A superhero is meek, not perfect. Meaning he/she makes mistakes but turns outward because they want to not because they have to.

Do something nice for someone else and watch them glow, for sooner or later you might just see them go.

I know it's a hassle an inconvenient gesture taking time, "It changed my life!" may be a secret inward reply.

Why wait for a mantle or the title of fame? Do good now! Please just do it today.

YOU CAN BE A SUPERHERO TOO!!!