Howard University Honors Chadwick Boseman

by MarvelBlog.com · May 26, 2021

Howard University today announced it will rename its College of Fine Arts (COFA) after Chadwick Boseman, the actor best known for his portrayal of Black Panther.

Photo: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Boseman’s Legacy Fulfilled

A 2000 graduate of Howard, Boseman had strong connections to the University. He helped lead efforts to keep its COFA from becoming part of the larger College of Arts & Sciences. Boseman organized protests and other means of support to maintain the college’s independence.

Not only did his efforts pay off, but the school will now be renamed in his honor. This certainly will be appreciated by Boseman’s former mentor, Phylicia Rashad, who just became Dean of Howard’s COFA.

Bob Iger Leads Fundraiser

Not only will the COFA now be known as the Chadwick Boseman College of Fine Arts, it will boast a new state-of-the-art facility. Disney Chairman Bob Iger has launched a fundraiser to help pay for the new space.

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COFA’s new home will feature a variety of resources for students interested in entertainment and/or broadcasting. It will also be the new headquarters for Howard University’s radio and television stations.

A Shared History

Most who followed Boseman’s career know he had been back to visit Howard several times. In 2008, he delivered an inspiring commencement speech to its student body.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIHZypMyQ2s

Fellow alumnus Ta-Nehisi Coates said the honor was “perfect.” He also surmised that Boseman’s family would be “overjoyed” with the honor.

Commenting on the newly announced honor, Simone Ledward-Boseman (Chadwick’s widow), said:

“Chad was a very proud Bison — both Howard and Ms. Rashad played integral roles in his journey as an artist. The re-establishment 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.”

Chadwick Boseman and Taylor Simone Ledward

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The story has come full circle indeed. What a well deserved honor!

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