Howard Renames Its College of Fine Arts After Chadwick Boseman
Howard University will rename its College of Fine Arts after Chadwick Boseman to honor the late actor. Boseman was known for his roles in movies like Black Panther and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, but long before his rise to fame, he wandered the campus of the number one HBCU in the country. Now, his legacy there will continue.
Thank you, @washingtonpost, for this feature on our exciting news! Howard University is pleased to name the College of Fine Arts after our iconic alumnus @chadwickboseman ! Read more here: https://t.co/pPuARPe5ub #HowardForward
— Howard University (@HowardU) May 26, 2021
Nearly 58,000 students and faculty signed a petition to rename the fine arts school following Boseman’s death last year. Howard University president Wayne A.I. Frederick was already in talks with the late actor, who wanted to remain involved with his alma mater by developing a Master’s Class for students, according to The Washington Post.
“We are very excited. This is the right thing to do,” Frederick stated in a press release for Howard University. “Chadwick’s love for Howard University was sincere, and although he did not live to see those plans through to fruition, it is my honor to ensure his legacy lives on.”
Wonderful tribute to Chadwick, one of the hardest celebrity deaths I’ve ever had to swallow, long live the young legend
— Prodi Tsunami (@SkuhdlifeProdi) May 26, 2021
Boseman graduated from Howard in 2000 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing. With the fundraising efforts from The Walt Disney Company’s executive chairman, Bob Iger, the university will construct the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. The new building will house the Cathy Hughes School of Communications, a dedicated space for journalism and the arts, led by Phylicia Rashad, the school’s dean. Rashad served as a mentor for Boseman during his time at Howard and long after graduation.
“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,” Rashad stated in a Howard University press release.
Congratulations to all the future students of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts!
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) May 26, 2021
Special thanks to @howardu @huprez17 @phyliciarashad and @RobertIger @disney for leading fundraising efforts. pic.twitter.com/dmyJOlySPd
Boseman’s family was overjoyed with the news, knowing how much it meant to the Black Panther actor to have his legacy secured at an institution that shaped his life.
“Chad was a very proud Bison… The reestablishment of the College of Fine Arts brings this part of his story full-circle and ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire young storytellers for years to come,” Boseman’s widow, Simone Ledward-Boseman stated.
Yes he is a king!!! pic.twitter.com/PTKjx5ibAP
— Trump Lost Therefore Biden Won! (@TrueWordsRSpoke) May 26, 2021
Not only was Boseman a talented and skilled actor, but he also possessed a passion for his craft that began at Howard University. His dedication to the industry will be recognized for years to come at Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts.
Writer | @IlanaDavis24
