Howard University Names College Of Fine Arts After Chadwick Boseman

Howard University announced on Wednesday that it will rename the re-established College of Fine Arts after actor Chadwick Boseman, who died of cancer last year.

Boseman, an alumnus of Howard University witnessed the collapse of the College of Fine Arts during his time as a student. He led a student protest against the program’s absorption by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Boseman’s family said, “Chad fought to preserve the College of Fine Arts during his matriculation at Howard and remained dedicated to the fight throughout his career and he would be overjoyed by this development.”

Howard University President Wayne A.I. 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 that his legacy lives on through the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts with the support of his wife and the Chadwick Boseman Foundation.”

Fundraising efforts for a new state-of-the-art facility will be led by Disney CEO Bob Iger. Iger praised the Black Panther actor for his efforts, saying, “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.”

Boseman’s family took to Twitter to announce the naming of the College of Fine Arts and thanked those involved in fundraising.

The tweet read:

“Congratulations to all the future students of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts! Special thanks to @howardu @huprez17 @phyliciarashad and @RobertIger @disney for leading fundraising efforts.”