Howard University names School of Fine Arts after alum Chadwick Boseman

The late Chadwick Boseman will be posthumously honored by his alma mater, Howard University. The school will rename their newly reestablished College of the Arts after him, naming it The Chadwick A. Boseman College of the Fine Arts.

Before he became a household name playing Marvel superhero, T’Challa, a.k.a. the Black Panther, Boseman attended the prestigious historically black college in Washington, D.C where he obtained a BA of Fine Arts with a focus in directing in 2000.  During his tenure at Howard, Boseman was active in preserving the department, which included a protest against the closure of the College of Fine Arts and consolating it into The College of Arts and Sciences.

Newly appointed Dean and renowned actress as well as friend and mentor of Boseman, Phylicia Rashad gave a heartwarming statement to the announcement.

"“Unrelenting in his pursuit of excellence, Chadwick was possessed with a passion for inquiry and a determination to tell stories — through acting, writing, and directing — that revealed the beauty and complexity of our human spirit.”"

Boseman’s family and widow, Simone ­Ledward-Boseman were also present at the ceremony.  His parents, Leroy and Caroline expressed their joy about the renaming:

"“Chad fought to preserve the College of Fine Arts during his matriculation at Howard and remained dedicated to the fight throughout his career, and he would be overjoyed by this development. His time at Howard University helped shape both the man and the artist that he became, committed to truth, integrity, and a determination to transform the world through the power of storytelling. We are confident that under the dynamic leadership of his former professor and mentor the indomitable Phylicia Rashad that the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts will inspire artistic scholars for many generations.”"

Long after graduation, the Black Panther star remained heavily involved with Howard University and the students, including his 2018 commencement speech that highlighted “finding your own path” and “challenging authority.”  It was there that he was awarded an honorary Doctorate.  Before his death in August 2020, Boseman voiced his support for the College of the Fine Arts reestablishment and preservation.  Although he passed away before his efforts came to fruition, his dreams will live on through the students.

Boseman passed away after a four year battle with colon cancer when he was just 43 years old.  He was nominated for a posthumous Oscar for Best Performance in a Leading Role for his final role as Levee in Netflix’s adaptation of the August Wilson play Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Other notable credits include playing Surpreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall in Marshall and groundbreaking Major League Baseball star Jackie Robinson in 42.

Boseman delivered raw passion and drive to the roles he was given and his legacy will continue on for years to come.