The identify of Chadwick A. Boseman is used for the re-established School of Effective Arts at Howard College

Howard University has found its own way to cement Chadwick Boseman’s legacy. If you didn’t know, the late actor was a proud alumnus of the historically black institution. Now his presence on campus will be felt forever. On Wednesday, Howard announced that the newly formed College of Fine Arts would be named after Chadwick.

The announcement detailed Chadwick’s commitment to the university, particularly the College of Fine Arts. According to Howard’s release, Chadwick led a student protest on campus while there. The protest underscored its rejection of the school’s decision to merge the College of Fine Arts and the College of Arts & Sciences.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing in 2000, Chadwick continued to have discussions about restoring the college as a stand-alone college. In 2008 he returned as the keynote speaker, calling the university a “magical place”.

“During his visit, I announced our plans to restore the College of Fine Arts, and he was full of ideas and plans to powerfully support the effort,” said Howard’s President Wayne AI Frederick. “Chadwick’s love for Howard University was sincere, and while he failed to materialize those plans, it is my honor, with the support of his wife and life, to ensure that his legacy lives on through the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts which Chadwick Boseman Foundation. “

The college has not yet been built. However, the Walt Disney Company’s chairman, Bob Iger, will lead fundraising efforts to build a “state of the art facility.”

We recently reported that Alumnus Phylicia Rashad will take up her role as Dean of the College of Fine Art in July. Chadwick received training and mentoring from Phylicia while at Howard. She described Chadwick as “relentless in his pursuit of success”.

“… Chadwick had a passion for research and a determination to tell stories – through acting, writing, and directing – that revealed the beauty and complexity of our human minds,” said Phylicia.

His wife, Simone Ledward-Boseman, also announced that she is “extremely pleased” that her late husband is being honored in this way.

“Chad was a very proud bison – both Howard and Ms. Rashad played an important role in his journey as an artist,” said Simone. “The restoration of the College of Fine Arts closes the loop of that story and ensures that its legacy will continue to inspire young storytellers for years to come.”

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