Boseman Bust Unveiled in Anderson

Anderson Fine Arts Center

renamed for Chadwick Boseman, bust unveiled

The Southwood Academy of Performing Arts Center was renamed the Chadwick Boseman Fine Arts Center on Friday. 

The event honored the legacy of the late actor, who was an Anderson native and attended McCants Middle School before graduating from T.L. Hanna High School in 1995.

Based on a photo provided by Boseman's family, the sculpture depicts Chadwick when he received his honorary doctorate from Howard University in 2018. 

The signage and the Boseman sculpture cost approximately $39,000, according to Kyle Newton, Anderson School District Five assistant superintendent and Chief Communications Officer.

Boseman's impact on the community

During the program, attendees were treated to performances from the SouthWoods Academy of Performing Arts Center Middle School Choir and Band, including a monologue performed by Mikael James, Sawyer Smith, Mac Small, and Jayceon Oliver, and a reading of a student poem by creative writing student Pato Fabian. Fabian's poem, "Panther with Wings," was one of four featured in a video presentation. 

Additionally, the program featured other poems, such as "Home" by Avery Butler, Ella Brown, Evie Trent, and Mirabelle Cannon and "O Panther, My Panther" by Izzy Rose, Joseph Cordoba, and Isabella Esquivel Medina. 

The audience was also treated to a middle school dance performance called "Born Again" and a piano tribute to Boseman, celebrating his life and legacy. 

Chadwick Boseman's parents attend ceremony

Carolyn and Leroy Boseman, Boseman's parents, expressed their gratitude for the ceremony, calling it a proud day and noting the beauty of the program.

Boseman's cousin, Max Bolden, thanked the Southwoods Performing Arts Center for honoring his uncle.

He emphasized that this recognition was significant to the family and inspired the younger generation, demonstrating that any goal is achievable.

Actor Javon Johnson praised Boseman for his dedication

Actor Javon Johnson, an Anderson native and friend of the late Chadwick Boseman, spoke about how Boseman's dedication to his craft was evident through his acclaimed performances and his commitment to education and mentorship in the arts.

Johnson attended Howard University with Boseman, where Boseman graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing in 2000.

He returned to the university in 2018 to receive an honorary doctorate. 

Johnson highlighted how Boseman's inspiring film portrayals brought historical figures to life, showcasing his incredible range and depth as an actor who embodied characters such as Jackie Robinson, James Brown, and Thurgood Marshall. 

In the movie "42," he becomes Jackie Robinson, capturing the courage and determination of the baseball legend.

Johnson recalled the night Chadwick was working on his audition for "42."

"Chadwick had me up at 4 in the morning, reading lines for this audition," Johnson said. "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."

Similarly, his performances as James Brown in "Get on Up" and Thurgood Marshall in "Marshall" highlighted his ability to channel the personalities of these iconic figures. 

Boseman: More than just an actor 

Johnson said Boseman had a profound impact on those around him, not only through his art but also through his kindness and mentorship. 

"Chadwick was one of the most profound, most grounded young men I have ever known," he said. "He 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."

'His legacy is not forgotten'

Boseman died in 2020 after a four-year battle with colon cancer.

"We wanted to ensure that his legacy is not forgotten," said Harold Kay, Anderson School District Five Board of Trustees Chairman. "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," Kay said. 

The decision to rename the local Performing Arts Academy in Chadwick Boseman's honor began in 2024 after community members proposed the idea.

Boseman: The director

Acting was just one facet of Chadwick Boseman's talent. 

Chadwick was also a writer with a passion for directing, Anderson said.

"Boseman's storytelling abilities and visionary approach to filmmaking are what set him apart," Johnson said.

The 20th anniversary of "Deep Azure" is a testament to Boseman's talent as a storyteller and his ability to weave complex narratives using the language of hip-hop, jazz, and blues.

The play tells the story of Azure, a young African American woman grappling with an eating disorder after her fiancé's death due to black-on-black violence. 

It showcased Boseman's commitment to exploring social issues and giving a voice to underrepresented communities.