Hometown Honors Chadwick Boseman with Renamed Fine Arts Center
Anderson County, South Carolina paid a moving tribute to its most famous son last week. The late actor Chadwick Boseman was honored when his former school district renamed its fine arts center after him. The Chadwick Boseman Fine Arts Center will now inspire future generations of artists.
The emotional dedication ceremony took place on March 28. Boseman’s parents joined school officials and community members to celebrate his life and achievements. A beautiful bronze bust of the actor was unveiled during the event.
This honor comes four years after Boseman’s passing and one year after the school board approved the renaming. The Black Panther star attended schools in this district, graduating from T.L. Hanna High School in 1995. His journey from small-town South Carolina to Hollywood stardom continues to inspire local students.
Bust Unveiling Draws Emotional Response from Family and Friends
The newly revealed bust captures Boseman’s quiet strength and dignity. It was modeled after a photo from when he received his honorary doctorate from Howard University in 2018. His family worked closely with artists to ensure the sculpture properly reflected his spirit.
Among the special guests was Deanna Brown, daughter of music legend James Brown. Her presence held special meaning since Boseman portrayed her father in the 2014 biopic Get On Up. Many noted how fitting it was for these two legacies to come together.
Harold Kay, chairman of the school board, explained why this tribute mattered. “We wanted to ensure his legacy is not forgotten,” Kay said. “Chadwick showed our kids that great things are possible no matter where you start in life.”
Boseman’s Lasting Impact on Arts Education
The hometown tribute joins other honors Boseman has received in academia. After earning his Bachelor’s in directing from Howard University in 2000, he maintained strong ties to his alma mater. The university awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2018.
In 2021, Howard took the extraordinary step of naming its College of Fine Arts after Boseman. The Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts stands as one of his most significant legacies. It ensures future artists will learn in his name.
Though Boseman kept his cancer battle private, his work ethic and generosity became legendary. These latest honors in his hometown ensure that his example will continue motivating young people for decades to come.
