The King Has Returned Home — and His Legacy Now Lives in Stone, Story, and Song

In a stirring tribute to legacy, artistry, and unwavering hometown pride, the Southwood Academy of Performing Arts Center in Anderson County, South Carolina, has officially been renamed the Chadwick Boseman Fine Arts Center. According to reporting from Greenwood Online, the ceremony—held this past March—marked a powerful moment of homecoming for a star whose influence transcended both geography and genre.

Chadwick Boseman, celebrated globally for his transformative roles and profound humanity, was born and raised in Anderson. He once walked the same school hallways that now lead to a building bearing his name. After attending McCants Middle School, he graduated from T.L. Hanna High School in 1995, long before his rise to Hollywood acclaim. Now, his legacy stands as a beacon for the next generation of young dreamers in the community that shaped him.

As part of the renaming celebration, Anderson School District Five unveiled a bronze bust of Boseman. Sculpted by artist Andrew Cook, the piece was modeled from a family-provided photograph taken on the day Boseman received his honorary doctorate from Howard University in 2018. The district shared that the sculpture and new signage represent an investment of approximately $39,000, according to Kyle Newton, the district’s Assistant Superintendent and Chief Communications Officer.

The ceremony was rich with performances that honored Boseman’s depth as both an artist and a cultural figure. Students presented a dramatic monologue, a graceful dance performance titled “Born Again,” and a piano tribute, each capturing his commitment to storytelling and truth. Original poems—“Home” and “O Panther, My Panther”—showcased the creativity of the student body and symbolized Boseman’s enduring connection to Black artistic expression. Many attendees noted that these tributes echoed the emotional resonance found in Boseman’s portrayals of historical icons such as Jackie Robinson, James Brown, and Thurgood Marshall.

Chadwick’s parents, Carolyn and Leroy Boseman, attended the celebration and expressed deep gratitude for the honor. “It’s a proud day,” they shared, acknowledging the beauty and intention behind every performance. His cousin, Max Bolden, added that the dedication “inspires the younger generation, demonstrating that any goal is achievable,” underscoring Boseman’s lasting impact as a role model.

Actor Javon Johnson, a fellow Anderson native and longtime friend, spoke movingly about Boseman’s extraordinary discipline, recounting late-night rehearsals as Boseman prepared for his breakout role as Jackie Robinson in 42. “He would not quit,” Johnson said. “That’s just who Chad was—dedicated and relentless in his pursuit of excellence.” Johnson, who studied with Boseman at Howard University, described him as someone with “an old soul and wisdom like no other,” adding that Boseman’s presence naturally pushed people toward authenticity.

Boseman earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in directing from Howard in 2000 before returning in 2018 for his honorary doctorate—an event covered widely by outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post, which praised his commencement speech encouraging graduates to embrace purpose and integrity (sources: The New York Times, The Washington Post).

Although the world primarily remembers Boseman as the regal and heroic King T’Challa in Marvel’s Black Panther—a role hailed by Variety and The Associated Press as groundbreaking for Black representation in mainstream cinema—his closest collaborators often speak first of his gifts as a writer, storyteller, and director. Johnson noted that Boseman’s artistic foundation was rooted in his passion for narrative and justice.

One of Boseman’s early works, the play Deep Azure, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Premiering in Chicago, the piece was praised for its innovative fusion of hip-hop, jazz, and blues to tell the story of a young Black woman grappling with grief, love, and an eating disorder (source: The Associated Press). The play revealed Boseman’s dedication to exploring themes of identity, trauma, and resilience—issues he continued to champion throughout his career.

Boseman passed away in 2020 following a private four-year battle with colon cancer, a loss mourned across the entertainment industry and beyond. Tributes from fellow artists, political leaders, and cultural institutions emphasized his ability to shape history both on-screen and off-screen (sources: Variety, The New York Times).

Despite his passing, his legacy continues to expand, especially in his hometown. “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. If you apply yourself, you can accomplish great things.”

With the unveiling of the Chadwick Boseman Fine Arts Center, Anderson County has created a space that mirrors the actor’s brilliance, discipline, and empathy—a place where young artists can cultivate their own voices. Here, the spirit of a hometown hero now lives on permanently, guiding future generations as they walk their own paths toward greatness.