Dist. 5 to Rename Southwood Arts Center after Chadwick Boseman

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Southwood Academy of Performing Arts Center is expected to have a new name after Tuesday’s meeting of the Anderson County School District 5 board of trustees.

The board has agreed to rename the facility after one of the district’s most famous sons, Anderson native Chadwick Boseman. Boseman, who died of colon cancer in 2020 at age 43, attended McCants Middle School and T.L. Hanna High School (where he graduated in 1995).

“We are elated to do this in recognition of the accomplishments of Mr. Chadwick Boseman,” said long-time member of the school district’s board of trustees Harold Kay. “We want to do this to honor him, and to let the family know we have not forgotten the sacrifices that he made.”

Kay and board chair Tommy Price decided they wanted to do something to recognize the accomplishments of Boseman, and were looking to find a facility to name after him. Kay said the family is grateful the district is honoring Boseman and bringing attention to the arts in the district.

Once approved, the new facility will be called the Chadwick Boseman Fine Arts Center.

“I think it will be very well received,” said Kyle Newton, assistant superintendent for external affairs for the school district. Newton said the move could also inspire students in the district who are interested in the arts.

Howard University, Boseman’s alma mater, and T.L. Hanna has already started a scholarship to honor Boseman’s memory.

Known for his lead role in the 2018 movie “Black Panther,” Boseman also built a substantial career starring in biopics of such notable figures as Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall and James Brown. He is the first African-American actor to be nominated posthumously for his final role in "Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom."

The board of trustees meets Tuesday at the district office on Pearman Dairy Road. Agenda here.