CELEBRITY

Howard University Starts $5.4M New Scholarship in Chadwick Boseman’s Honor

Howard University partnered with Netflix to create a new $5.4 million fund in honor of their beloved alumni, Chadwick Boseman.
DFree / Shutterstock.com

Howard University partnered with Netflix to create a new $5.4 million fund in honor of their beloved alumni, Chadwick Boseman.

The Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship will cover all four years of tuition and award those who embody the late actor’s values: a drive for excellence, leadership, respect, empathy, and passion.

The first recipients are Sarah Long (a freshman majoring musical theater), Shawn Smith (a sophomore studying acting), Janee Ferguson (a junior concentrating in theater arts admission), and Deirdre Dunkin (a senior in dance). 

“It is with immense pleasure and deep gratitude that we announce the creation of an endowed scholarship in honor of alumnus Chadwick Boseman, whose life and contributions to the arts continue to inspire. This scholarship embodies Chadwick’s love for Howard, his passion for storytelling, and his willingness to support future generations of Howard students,” President of Howard University Wayne A.I. Frederick said in a statement. “I am thankful for the continuous support and partnership of Chadwick’s wife, Mrs. Simone Ledward-Boseman, and to Netflix for this important gift.”

Even Leward-Boseman showed her support for the scholarship fund in her late husband’s honor.

“Many exemplary artists are not afforded the opportunity to pursue higher learning; we hope to support as many students as possible by removing the financial barrier to education. This endowment represents Chad’s devotion to the craft, his compassion for others, and his deep desire to support future storytellers. My deepest thanks to Ted Sarandos Scott Stuber and our family at Netflix for their generous investment into the education of all present and future Boseman Scholars, and to President Wayne Frederick, Dean Phylicia Rashad, and Howard vice president of development and alumni relations David Bennett for their partnership and continued commitment to Chad’s legacy at Howard. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and amazed at the love and dedication shown by so many continuing to honor my husband’s work. I know he’d be proud.”

Back in May, Howard University renamed their fine arts building after Boseman. Boseman tragically passed away last year after losing his fight with colon cancer. Despite his passing, the Black Panther actor made a significant impact in this world. He left his mark in movies and is now being honored at the college he attended. Black Panther and Boseman’s episode of What If…? can be streamed on Disney+