Time is Now for Dist. 5 to Name Playhouse after Chadwick Boseman

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson native Chadwick Boseman’s recent and untimely passing has brought a slew of suggestions about how to honor his accomplishments. 

These ideas include a statue downtown to replace the Confederate memorial and a variety of other naming opportunities around town. Many of these are worthy of discussion.

But the first move, and potentially the swiftest, would be to rename Anderson School District 5’s Project Challenge Playhouse the Chadwick Boseman Playhouse.

First, the current name has often been confusing to outsiders, and does not suggest theatrical performance. Boseman, who attended T.L. Hanna performed on stage in his early acting career in the district, and adding his name to the marquis could serve as a fine inspiration for those who hope to move their dreams of acting to the next level. 

T.L. Hanna has already put in motion a scholarship in Boseman’s name, and this would be a logical addition to honor him.

In his short life, Boseman exemplified the characteristics to which we hope all of our students will inspire. I won’t list his credits here, but many of his biopics of Jackie Robinson and Thurgood Marshall offered glimpses of men who were calm under fire, men who changed the world. 

Boseman’s charity work, especially visits to children suffering from cancer, remains an example of how a person can use fame to help others. 

“Whatever you choose for a career path, remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose,” he said. “As you commence to your paths, press on with pride and press on with purpose.”

Anderson School Dist. 5 should press on with such pride and purpose to honor one its most famous alumni. 

In the days since his death, tributes from around the world have praised Boseman’s 

The district policy of naming a building or portion of a building was established in 1969 and revised in 1983. 1988 and 2017, and would require a minor revision to quickly honor Boseman. Let's hope that revision comes quickly.

Current policy allows for the naming of a building or section of a building in the district for a person “has made an outstanding contribution to the school or school system and has been deceased for more than three years.”

The three-year waiting period is generally wise. But this is not a major renaming of a school or changing the beloved name of a program. I have asked three dozen people in the district, many of whom are or have been involved in theater, and none are attached to the current name (most don’t even like it).

Any group making the request for a change “must agree to provide appropriate recognition such as a plaque, portrait or marker for the school.” 

So it can be done. 

The Anderson Observer is willing to do what it can to help make that happen. 

The Dist. 5 superintendent and the board of trustees have the authority to honor Boseman quickly in the most appropriate of locations to honor his legacy which inspiring students.

If you live in the district, contact your board member and the superintendent asking they move ahead with the Chadwick Boseman Playhouse project.  

Currently, the only building in the district named in honor of an African American is the gymnasium at Westside High School, which named to honor the legendary coach William Roberts. 

Naming the district’s primary theater in honor of native son Chadwick Boseman is a natural move to honor Boseman’s legacy, and would be a welcome tribute to show the world how we feel about the loss of one of Anderson's brightest and best.