Howard University recently announced the $5.4 million Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship, to be awarded to one incoming freshman every year.
With Netflix as the inaugural donor, the scholarship will cover four years-worth of tuition at Howard’s College of Fine Arts. It will be given to students who display a number of qualities, including leadership, respect, empathy, passion and a drive for excellence. Howard president Wayne A.I. Frederick stated, "This scholarship embodies Chadwick’s love for Howard, his passion for storytelling and his willingness to support future generations of Howard students... I am thankful for the continuous support and partnership of Chadwick’s wife, Mrs. Simone Ledward-Boseman, and to Netflix for this important gift."
"While [Boseman] was taken from us too soon, his spirit is with us always in his work and the good that he has inspired," Netflix co-CEO and chief content officer Ted Sarandos said. He went on to say, "We are grateful to Simone and Chadwick’s whole family and our partners at Howard University for making this possible."
Boseman, best known for his performance as T'Challa in Marvel Studios' Black Panther, died on Aug. 28, 2020 due to complications arising from colon cancer, which he never revealed to anyone. His wife, Taylor Simone Ledward-Boseman made a statement for the launch of the scholarship fund.
She said, "Many exemplary artists are not afforded the opportunity to pursue higher learning; 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 deep desire to support future storytellers... My deepest thanks to Ted Sarandos, [Netflix original films head] 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 [Howard vice president of development and alumni relations] 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.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter