Howard University and Netflix set up a $5.4M 'The Chadwick A Boseman Memorial Scholarship.'
by Ana Walia | Thu, 07 Oct 2021 19:08:00 GMT
Image Source: Shouzy, Wikipedia

A $5.4 million scholarship has been set up in the honor of one of Howard University's most esteemed and accomplished alumni and one of Hollywood's most beloved performers. We're talking about Chadwick Boseman, the actor who is famous for his role as 'King T'Chaka' or 'Black Panther' played in Marvel Universe's 'Blank Panther'. The actor passed away after a four-year struggle with colon cancer in August 2020.

Now, to honor the actor, Netflix and his Alma matter, Howard University has established a $5.4 million scholarship in the late actor's name. 'The Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship' will cover four years of tuition at Howard University's College of Fine Arts, which was renamed in May in honor of the actor.

Howard University’s president Dr. Wayne A.I. Fredrick, shared in his statement, “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,"

'The Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship' will cover four years of tuition at Howard University's College of Fine Arts. Image Source: Variety 

The Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship, which will begin this year with one award for each class year, has received its first donor. It will be given to one new freshman per year in succeeding years. Students who exemplify the late actor's principles of excellence, leadership, respect, empathy, and passion will be considered for the scholarship.

"This scholarship represents Chadwick's love for Howard, his enthusiasm for storytelling, and his determination to support future generations of Howard students," said Dr. Wayne A.I. Fredrick. I am grateful to Chadwick's wife, Mrs. Simone Ledward-Boseman, for her unwavering support and partnership, as well as Netflix for this significant donation."

"Many outstanding individuals are not granted the opportunity to pursue higher studies," Mrs. Simone Ledward-Boseman said of such a renowned opportunity. "By removing the financial barrier to education, we strive to help as many students as possible. Chad's dedication to the profession, compassion for others, and desire to encourage future storytellers are all reflected in this endowment."

She further added, “My deepest thanks to Ted Sarandos, Scott Stuber and our family at Netflix for their generous investment into the education of all present and future Boseman Scholars, and to President Wayne Frederick, Dean Phylicia Rashad and Mr. David Bennett for their partnership and continued commitment to Chad’s legacy at Howard. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and amazed at the love and dedication shown by so many continuing to honor my husband’s work. I know he’d be proud.”

Howard University’s President Dr. Wayne A.I. Fredrick and Chadwick Boseman. Image Source: PEOPLE

Sarah Long, a freshman in musical theater, Shawn Smith, a sophomore in acting, Janee' Ferguson, a junior in theater arts administration, and senior Deirdre Dunkin, who studies dance, make up the inaugural batch of honorees. The four lucky students who were awarded the renowned Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship displayed the following characteristics:

Drive for excellence: The four students who are constantly striving to improve and who go above and beyond the minimum criteria. This may include participation in academic departments, campus organizations, or community organizations.

Passion: Students who want to be considered for the award must have a strong drive to tell stories. They must be able to see the crucial relevance of storytellers as cultural historians and desire to use their work to inform, uplift, and strengthen their communities.

Leadership: Students who possess the qualities of a leader and who understand the need of doing what is right, even if it means being in the minority, are considered for the scholarship. They maintain their word and stick to their promises while also accepting responsibility for their actions and admitting any errors.

Respect: Students who are considerate and respectful to others. They pay attention to and accept feedback from others. They keep their cool and show consideration for the things and people they come across.

Empathy: Students who are nice and understanding to everyone they meet and who eagerly listen to learn about other people's unique experiences. They act as advocates for their community by identifying and addressing needs.

Chadwick Boseman, who graduated from Howard University in 2000, died of colon cancer in 2000, and the entire world mourned his death. Ted Sarandos, Netflix's CEO and chief content officer, said the streaming site is appreciative to the late actor's family and Alma mater for speaking so highly of him. 

Ted continued to share that Even though Chadwick was stolen from us and the world all too soon, his spirit has always remained within us and has always pushed everyone he knew to do good things. The Netflix content chief also recalled how the late actor loved his time at Howard and spoke about the great impact it had on him, particularly in defining his career and personal life. Chadwick Boseman's final two films, 'Da 5 Blood' and 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' was released on Netflix.

Howard University and Netflix are confident that with a small amount of effort, they will be able to provide many students with the opportunity to live their life like Chadwick Boseman, a superhero.

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