S.C. urged to replace statue with one of its popular native son
Chadwick Boseman was known as a hero, both on and off the screen. Now, thousands of people want to honor him like one, by replacing a Confederate memorial with a statue of the late actor.
Boseman, known for his leading roles in the hallmark film “Black Panther,” as well as “42,” “Marshall” and “Get On Up,” died of colon cancer last week.
In the wake of his death, more than 4,000 people signed an online petition calling on the Anderson Confederate Memorial in Anderson, S.C. — where Boseman is from — to be replaced.
“The Confederate Monument belongs in a museum, but has no right to be displayed there,” the petition reads.
“I believe the community should come together to honor someone from Anderson, South Carolina, that was able to change the movie industry. He opened many doors for many young black people with his leading roles in movies such as Black Panther or Marshall.
“It is only natural that his hometown honors what he did. There is no need for political controversy in this decision.”
The petition, addressed to Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts, Gov. Henry McMaster and local representatives, asks lawmakers to place the Confederate statue in a museum.
Representatives for the mayor and the governor did not respond to CNN’s request for comment.
Boseman, 43, was diagnosed in 2016 with stage 3 colon cancer, and over four years it progressed to stage 4, the statement said. He kept his cancer diagnosis from the public, and his seemingly sudden death sent shockwaves through the world.
One of many tributes to the actor came from Denzel Washington.
Boseman was referred to as “the next Denzel Washington,” and the first one remembered Boseman as a “gentle soul.”
Washington’s rep released a statement paying tribute to Boseman.
“He was a gentle soul and a brilliant artist, who will stay with us for eternity through his iconic performances over his short yet illustrious career,” Washington said in his statement.
“God bless Chadwick Boseman.”