The King has now returned home!
In a moving celebration of legacy, artistry, and hometown pride, the Southwood Academy of Performing Arts Center in Anderson County, South Carolina, has been officially renamed the Chadwick Boseman Fine Arts Center, according to Greenwood Online. The renaming ceremony, held this past March, paid tribute to the late actor’s roots and his enduring impact on the world through the arts.
Boseman, an Anderson native, once walked the halls of McCants Middle School and graduated from T.L. Hanna High School in 1995. Now, those same streets bear his name in a way that will inspire future generations. As part of the event, Anderson School District Five unveiled a bronze bust of Boseman, sculpted by artist Andrew Cook. The sculpture is based on a photograph provided by the Boseman family, capturing the actor on the day he received his honorary doctorate from Howard University in 2018.
The signage and sculpture were made possible through an investment of approximately $39,000, shared Kyle Newton, Anderson School District Five Assistant Superintendent and Chief Communications Officer.
The celebration was filled with artistic tributes worthy of the man who once brought Black icons like Jackie Robinson, James Brown, and Thurgood Marshall to the screen. From a monologue performed by students to a heartfelt reading, the performances echoed Boseman’s spirit.
Additional poems titled “Home” and “O Panther, My Panther,” showcased the creative excellence of the student body. A dance piece titled “Born Again” and a moving piano tribute rounded out the performances.
Carolyn and Leroy Boseman, the actor’s parents, were in attendance and expressed their deep gratitude for the tribute. “It’s a proud day,” they said, reflecting on the power and beauty of the program. Boseman’s cousin, Max Bolden, echoed the family’s appreciation, adding that the recognition serves as “an inspiration to the younger generation, demonstrating that any goal is achievable.”
Actor Javon Johnson, a fellow Anderson native and close friend of Boseman, spoke about the late star’s work ethic and immense talent.
“Chadwick had me up at 4 in the morning, reading lines for this audition,” Johnson recalled of the night Boseman was preparing for his role as Jackie Robinson in 42. “We kept rehearsing line after line, he would not quit, and that’s just the kind of person Chad was—dedicated and relentless in his pursuit of excellence.”
Johnson, who attended Howard University with Boseman, reflected on his friend’s journey—from earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing in 2000 to returning in 2018 for an honorary doctorate. He described Boseman as a man who “possessed an old soul and wisdom like no other. I often say you don’t get close to Chadwick unless you have a strong sense of who you are first. His presence challenged those around him to reflect on themselves and strive for authenticity.”
Boseman passed away in 2020 following a private four-year battle with colon cancer. But even in death, his legacy continues to grow.
“We wanted to ensure that his legacy is not forgotten,” said Harold Kay, Chairman of the Anderson School District Five Board of Trustees. “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.”
While most know him for his film work, those closest to him remember Boseman as a storyteller, writer, and visionary director. “Boseman’s storytelling abilities and visionary approach to filmmaking are what set him apart,” said Johnson.
His early play Deep Azure, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, is just one example of his expansive talent. The play follows Azure, a young Black woman struggling with an eating disorder in the aftermath of her fiancé’s tragic death. Through a tapestry of hip-hop, jazz, and blues, the story revealed Boseman’s deep commitment to social issues and his desire to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities.
In Anderson County, that voice now echoes permanently through the halls of the newly renamed Chadwick Boseman Fine Arts Center—a fitting homecoming for a man whose life and legacy continue to shape the world.
Cover photo: Chadwick Boseman Bust Unveiled at Dedication of Fine Arts Center Renaming in Hometown of South Carolina/(l to r) Dr. Deanna Brown Thomas, daughter of the late James Brown, Leroy Boseman & Carolyn Boseman, parents of the late Chadwick Boseman,and Boseman’s cousin Max Bolden at Chadwick Boseman Fine Arts Center at Southwood Academy of the Arts in Anderson, S.C./Photo Credit: Ken Ruinard/Greenville Online