Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick (left) presenting Chadwick Boseman (right) an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, before the 2018 commencement event where Boseman spoke. (Courtesy Howard University) Before the world became familiar with actor Chadwick Boseman and his portrayals of Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, James Brown or as the Black Panther in the movies, he was a Howard University Bison. Now Boseman’s alma mater is mourning the 2000 graduate’s death following a four year battle with cancer. “It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of alumnus Chadwick Boseman who passed away last night after a long private battle with colon cancer. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick said in a letter to the Howard University community. “Boseman reminds us that the quality of life is not measured in time, but rather it is measured in how well we live it and what we prioritized. He prioritized his wife, his family, his friends, his craft, and loving others. The characters he portrayed will be celebrated but his greatest gift to us was himself,” said Frederick. The 43-year-old, who died Friday, returned to Howard in 2018 to deliver the school’s commencement speech. You can watch his remarks below.
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For first time, Chuck Brown Day will go on without Brown family
For the first time in its 12-year history, Chuck Brown Day in D.C. will go on without the support of the family of the "Godfather of Go-Go."
The Brown family announced it has withdrawn its support for Saturday's celebration at Fort Dupont Park, saying it no longer believes the event reflects the collaboration and respect Chuck Brown's legacy deserves.
Chuck Brown's son, Nekos Brown Sr., told WTOP the issues are primarily with the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation.
"It's been three years of issues we've been having with them as far as staying on par with proper communication, just overall professionalism and the ability to take our stance seriously," Brown said.
