During the 30th annual IFP Gotham Awards on Jan. 11, Simone Ledward Boseman accepted the actor tribute award on behalf of her late husband, Chadwick Boseman. “He is the most honest person I’d ever met,” Simone stated in her speech, holding back tears. “He actively searched for it, in himself, those around him and the moment. The truth can be a very easy thing for the self to avoid. But if one does not live in truth, then it’s impossible to live life. So it became how he lived his life, day in and day out.”
Chadwick died in August at the age of 43 after a battle with colon cancer. When it came to how Chadwick lived his life, Simone said that he was “imperfect but determined” and “blessed to live many lives within his concentrated one.” In his own words, he was “a vessel to be poured into and out of.” Simone also commented on Chadwick’s spiritual life, saying that “he harnessed the power of letting go, and letting God’s love shine through” by realizing “that when one is able to recognize that when their strength does not come from themself, they rarely mess up.”
She continued, “It is my honor to receive this award on behalf of my husband, in acknowledgment of not only his profound work but of his impact on this industry and this world.” Chadwick, alongside costar Viola Davis, was recognized for his work in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. “Chad, thank you,” Simone added. “I love you. I am so proud of you. Keep shining your light on us. Thank you.” Simone finished off her speech by saying: “May we not let his conviction be in vain. May our spirits be fertile soil for God’s wisdom to fall upon. So thank you. Praise God.”