WASHINGTON (WUSA9) — Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman will be the commencement speaker at Howard University, the D.C. school confirmed Wednesday afternoon.
It'll be a homecoming for the actor. He graduated from Howard with a bachelor of fine arts degree, before beginning his career as an actor, director and writer.
“It is an incredible honor and privilege for the Howard University community to welcome back home one of its native sons, Chadwick Boseman, to deliver the 2018 commencement address,” said Howard University President, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick.
Boseman will address the Class of 2018 and their families, along with the university's faculty and staff, for Howard's 150th Commencement Ceremony.
“I’m excited to return to the Mecca in celebration of the achievements of our illustrious students,” said Boseman. “Let’s listen, learn and build with one another.”
The South Carolina native has portrayed some of the most iconic African Americans in U.S. history, including Jackie Robinson, James Brown and Howard's own Thurgood Marshall.
"His recent role in the blockbuster film Black Panther reminds us of the excellence found in the African diaspora and how places like Howard are hidden, untapped gems producing the next generation of scientists, engineers and doctors," Frederick said. "Mr. Boseman exemplifies the monumental heights and levels Howard graduates can achieve by using the skills and knowledge they acquired at the university.”
Following his address, Howard will then give Boseman the university's highest honor, an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters.
