Netflix and Howard University established a $5.4 million scholarship in honor of Chadwick Boseman.
The Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship, will cover the total cost of University tuition for incoming students in Howard's College of Fine Arts.
"It is with immense pleasure and deep gratitude that we announce the creation of an endowed scholarship in honor of alumnus Chadwick Boseman, whose life and contributions to the arts continue to inspire," Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, president of Howard University, said. "This scholarship embodies Chadwick's love for Howard, his passion for storytelling and his willingness to support future generations of Howard students. I am thankful for the continuous support and partnership of Chadwick's wife, Mrs. Simone Ledward-Boseman, and to Netflix for this important gift."
The scholarship will focus on students who exemplify exceptional skills in the arts, and who demonstrate financial need. One scholarship will be awarded to a student from each class year, after that, it will be awarded to one incoming freshman annually.
The inaugural scholarship recipients include Sarah Long, a freshman studying musical theatre; Shawn Smith, a sophomore studying acting; Janee' Ferguson, a junior studying theatre arts administration; and Deirdre Dunkin, a senior studying dance.
The Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts created a Masterclass that's inspired by the man himself.
Students enrolled are going to be introduced to a curriculum, which will get them working with pros, currently working in the industry, who can share real-life experiences.
Howard says the masterclass is going to be weaving the guests into day-to-day learning and coursework on campus.
Chadwick himself wanted to help spearhead the program, and actually signed paperwork to get it started and would've likely been very hands-on, if he were still alive.
The late Chadwick Boseman was forever immortalized at his alma mater Howard University.
The HBCU has named their College of Fine Arts, the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts, which is now helmed by Phylicia Rashad as Dean.
Rashad, taught Boseman acting while he attended Howard.
“I remember his smile and gentle way,” she said. “I remember his unending curiosity and his love of study, studying many things all of the time."
Boseman’s family thanked Wayne A.I. Fredrick, President of Howard and the Howard Board of Trustees for giving the honor.
“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,” said the family in a statement. “His time at Howard University helped shape both the man and the artist that he became, committed to truth, integrity, and a determination to transform the world through the power of storytelling.”
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