The Washington Post reported that Howard University renamed its College of Fine Arts after the actor and esteemed alumni, Chadwick Boseman, on May 26.
Howard University renamed its performing and visual arts school after the “Black Panther” star, who graduated from Howard in 2000 with a bachelor of arts degree in directing, and died in August at 43 of colon cancer.
The university and Walt Disney Co.’s executive chairman, Bob Iger, will spearhead fundraising for an endowment named after Boseman, as well as help in raising money for the construction of a state-of-the-art building on the campus.
The new building will house the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, the Cathy Hughes School of Communications, its TV station, WHUT, and its radio station, WHUR 96.3 FM.
Following Boseman’s death, Howard students circulated a petition to have the fine arts college renamed for Boseman.
Little did the students know that Howard President Wayne A.I. Frederick said he, too, was thinking of a way to honor the late actor.
Before his death, Boseman had agreed to serve on the board of the fine arts college and was developing a Master’s Class series for students, according to Frederick.
“We are very excited. This is the right thing to do,” Frederick said. “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.”
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In a statement, Iger said Boseman was an “extraordinary gifted, charismatic and kindhearted person” and commented on his “iconic” performances in a plethora of films as well as his “tireless commitment” to helping the community.
“Through his tremendous example, he inspired millions to overcome adversity, dream big and reach beyond the status quo, and this college named in his honor at his beloved Howard University will provide opportunities for future generations of artists to follow in his footsteps and pursue their dreams,” Iger said.
