Howard University And Netflix Unite to Honor Chadwick Boseman

Howard University and Netflix have come together to honor the late actor, producer, and Howard Alumnus by creating a scholarship. The new 5.4 million endowed Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to 1 incoming student in Howard's College of Fine Arts each year to cover the full cost of tuition.

Netflix is the first donor to fund the scholarship. In its first year, it will be awarded to one student in each existing class. This year's recipients are: freshman Sarah Long, studying musical theater; sophomore Shawn Smith, studying acting; junior Janee' Ferguson, studying theater arts administration; and senior Deidre Dunkin, studying dance.

The scholarship was created in partnership with Chadwick's widow, Taylor Simone Ledward Boseman.

She released this statement: “Many exemplary artists are not afforded the opportunity to pursue higher learning,” Ledward-Boseman wrote in a statement. “We hope to support as many students as possible by removing the financial barrier to education. This endowment represents Chad’s devotion to the craft, his compassion for others and his desire to support future storytellers.”

“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,

Chadwick graduated from Howard University with a bachelor's degree more than 20 years ago majoring in directing. He returned to the campus in 2018 and delivered an inspiring commencement speech.

He has starred in critically acclaimed Netflix movies Da 5 Bloods and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

Chadwick Boseman passed away in August 2020 after a private battle with colon cancer. He was 43.