In a powerful tribute to one of its most celebrated alumni, Anderson School District Five in South Carolina has renamed its Fine Arts Center at Southwood Academy of the Arts in honor of the late Chadwick Boseman. The newly dedicated Chadwick Boseman Fine Arts Center is a lasting symbol of his talent, legacy, and the profound impact he made on the world — both on and off screen.
Boseman, a native of Anderson, grew up in this very community. He attended McCants Middle School and graduated from T.L. Hanna High School in 1995. Before captivating the world as King T’Challa in Black Panther or portraying real-life icons like Jackie Robinson and James Brown, he was a student with a vision — one who believed in the power of storytelling and the arts to shape lives.
The dedication ceremony, held in late March 2025, brought together family, friends, educators, and community members who were touched by Boseman’s life and work. His parents, Leroy and Carolyn Boseman, were present for the emotional unveiling of a bronze bust capturing Chadwick during one of his most iconic moments: his 2018 commencement speech at Howard University. The sculpture, now housed in the center, serves as a daily reminder to students of the greatness that can emerge from their own community.
More than a name change, this dedication is a call to action for young people: a reminder that where you start doesn’t define where you can go. The decision by the school board to rename the facility was made in collaboration with Boseman’s family, reflecting a shared desire to honor not only his career achievements but also his deep commitment to education, social justice, and artistic integrity.
“Chadwick represented excellence, resilience, and purpose,” said one district representative. “This center will empower the next generation of artists to lead with heart and pursue their creative dreams unapologetically — just like he did.”
The Chadwick Boseman Fine Arts Center is now a creative sanctuary, where students can train, perform, and discover their voices. In a world that continues to celebrate Boseman’s legacy, this hometown honor ensures his story lives on — not just through his films, but through every student who walks through those doors inspired to follow in his footsteps.
