Dance Artist Roman Neal ll Becomes Newest Chadwick Boseman Scholar at Howard University

By Brooke Binson

Roman Neal ll, incoming freshman from Memphis, Tennessee has been announced as the latest Chadwick Boseman Scholar at Howard University. Neal is a graduate of New Ballet Ensemble and School and KIPP Memphis Collegiate High. Neal will begin studying dance arts on campus this fall.

The Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship provides incoming fine arts students with four-year scholarships to cover university tuition. The Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship was established with the support of Chadwick Boseman’s wife, Simone Ledward-Boseman, and Netflix. The scholarship is given to students who demonstrate a drive for excellence, leadership, respect, empathy, and passion.

“I wanted to do cartwheels down the hall after finding out the brilliant news. I have worked so hard through dance this reward makes me want to work even harder,” says Neal. “Walking into college, I thought I was going to be in financial trouble, now the honorable Chadwick A. Boseman and Howard University have given me a chance to show my light without having to worry about tuition.”

Neal is a professional dancer and creative choreographer and has been dancing since he was 8 years old, beginning as a hip hop dancer. He has worked with numerous choreographers, including Terran Noir owner of Subroy Studios in Memphis. Neal has trained at several notable schools such as LYE Academy, Subroy Studios, and New Ballet Ensemble and School.

“As a younger person in the arts, I’ve seen Chadwick Boseman in movies, giving speeches, and more,” Neal said. “Boseman showed his drive and how passionate he was about the arts. His inspiration gives me extra motivation. Becoming the latest Boseman Scholar is a great honor.”

Neal played the lead role in the 2022 production of NutRemix, by the New Ballet Ensemble and School. He also attended the Tennessee Governor’s School of the Arts in the Summer of 2022 on full scholarship based on his dance skills.

In addition, Neal was class president of his senior class of 2023, a Kipp Memphis varsity cheerleader, and a member of the Kipp Phoenix track and field team. Neal said working with organizations such as Top Teens of America, NAACP ACT-SO, and the Memphis Grizzlies Mentoring Program and Dance Team has allowed him to grow outside of his local community and realize changes in himself.