Chadwick Boseman to deliver Howard University 2018 commencement address

The Black Panther star graduated from HU in 2000.

Chadwick Boseman is returning to his alma mater to give the keynote address at Howard University's 150th commencement ceremony on May 12.

Blue Telusma

Apr 20, 2018

Chadwick Boseman is returning to his alma mater to give the commencement address at Howard University.

Wednesday, the university announced that the star of the history making box-office hit Black Panther will give the keynote address at Howard’s 150th commencement ceremony on May 12th.

News outlets report Boseman will be presented with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, the university’s highest honor.

“It is an incredible honor and privilege for the Howard University community to welcome back home one of its native sons, @ChadwickBoseman, to deliver the 2018 commencement address,” the University posted on its Twitter page.

Howard University President Wayne Frederick said Boseman’s role in Black Panther “reminds us of the excellence found in the African diaspora and how Howard continues to be a gem that produces the next generation of artist-scholars, humanitarians, scientists, engineers and doctors.”

“It is an incredible honor and privilege for the Howard University community to welcome back home one of its native sons, @ChadwickBoseman, to deliver the 2018 commencement address,” said Howard University President @HUPrez17. #HowardForward https://t.co/KKWadtSTXr pic.twitter.com/aOQ2zmxQLH

— Howard University (@HowardU) April 18, 2018

“I’m excited to return to the Mecca in celebration of the achievements of our illustrious students,” Boseman said in response to the great honor.

The South Carolina native graduated from Howard with a BFA in 2000, before attending the British American Dramatic Academy at Oxford. He also starred in movies portraying Jackie Robinson, James Brown and fellow Howard graduate Thurgood Marshall.

Between leading one of the biggest blockbuster films of all time, and the heightened awareness the world has of HBCU’s since Beyoncé put their traditions front and center during Coachella (now forever known as BeyChella), there is no doubt that Chadwick’s commencement speech at Howard will draw a lot of attention.

Something tells us he’s up for the challenge. He never freezes.

“I’m excited to return to the Mecca in celebration of the achievements of our illustrious students,” said @ChadwickBoseman. Boseman will deliver the address for Howard University’s 150th Commencement on May 12, 2018. #HowardForward #howardgrad18 https://t.co/RIoglD8Hek

— Howard University (@HowardU) April 18, 2018