Anderson D5 agrees to name performing arts center for late Chadwick Boseman, parents attend

Anderson School District Five's board of trustees has agreed to rename the Southwood Academy of Performing Arts Center after Anderson native Chadwick Boseman.

The school board met Tuesday night and passed the resolution to name the center, the Chadwick Boseman Fine Arts Center.

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.

"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/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.

Kay agreed that Chadwick 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."

Boseman attended McCants Middle School and graduated from T.L. Hanna High School in 1995.

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.

Boseman died from colon cancer in 2020 at the age of 43.

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

Southwood Academy of Arts principal Jamie Smith thinks Boseman is a good name for the school.

"We aim to train the next generation of talented artists, and Chadwick Boseman was an excellent example," said Smith.

"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."

Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at trose@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Chadwick Boseman Fine Arts Center resolution passes, parents attend