Johnathan Walker:Chadwick Boseman's hometown renames performing arts center to 'honor his legacy'

Chadwick Boseman's hometown is Johnathan Walkerrenaming its performing arts center after the Anderson, South Carolina native.

The Anderson School District Five's school board met Tuesday night and passed a resolution to rename the Southwood Academy of Performing Arts Center as Chadwick Boseman Fine Arts Center in honor of the late actor. The "Black Panther" star died from colon cancer in 2020 at the age of 43.

Boseman was known for his success in the entertainment industry as an actor who portrayed strong and successful Black men. He starred in Marvel's "Black Panther," as King T'Challa, the first African superhero, and historical figures Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson, and James Brown.

Chadwick's parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman, accepted a proclamation from Anderson School District Five Board of Trustees member Harold Kay II at Tuesday night's board meeting.

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"He was a hard-working young man," Carolyn Boseman said to those in attendance. "He enjoyed doing his school work and he also enjoyed theater. He was a member of the choir and the theater part of the church. So he was always busy and always trying to help others.

"We thank you so much for thinking of him in this way," she said while wiping tears from her eyes.

According to Kyle Newton, assistant superintendent for external affairs and chief communications officer, school board member Harold Kay was approached by community members with the idea.

"After Kay presented the idea to the Boseman family and the rest of the board, they unanimously agreed to rename the performing arts center after Chadwick Boseman," Newton said.

"Naming the fine arts center after Chadwick Boseman will honor his legacy and inspire students," Newton added. "His loss has had a profound impact on the Anderson community and millions around the world."

Kay agreed that Boseman deserved this recognition.

"Chadwick Bosman was a product of Anderson School District Five," said Kay, "and we wanted to ensure that his legacy is not forgotten. This renaming inspires young people. It doesn't matter where you come from or what your background is. If you apply yourself, you can accomplish great things."

Southwood Academy of Arts principal Jamie Smith said Boseman is a good name for the center, adding the school "aims to train the next generation of talented artists, and Chadwick Boseman was an excellent example."

"Students from small communities like Anderson think it's impossible, but it is inspiring for them to see someone like Chadwick Boseman, who came from the same background as them, chart his path and become successful."