Good Trouble at Bowie State: Mid-Atlantic HBCUs Unite for a Shared Future

A candid, lively discussion last month spotlighted the foundational contributions, enduring significance and ongoing mission of historically Black colleges and universities.

Bowie State University hosted the inaugural "Good Trouble: Continuing the Legacy and Purpose of HBCUs" conference April 15-16. More than 80 students, faculty and staff from HBCUs across the Mid-Atlantic - including Virginia State University, Howard University, Morgan State University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore - gathered at the Student Center for community dialogue. The conference also offered a virtual option. National health care company Kaiser Permanente served as the corporate sponsor.

Dr. Keadrick Peters, an adjunct professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Human Services, helped bring the conference to Bowie State through the Office of Multicultural Programs and Civic Engagement.

"This event was life-affirming for all participants. Our goal is to make this an annual program so we can share stories of cultural engagement and explore how the HBCU legacy shapes our collective future."

Keynote speaker Dr. Kaye Wise Whitehead urged attendees to take an active role in civic engagement. Whitehead is the founding executive director of the Karson Institute for Race, Peace and Social Justice, a professor of communication and African and African American studies at Loyola University Maryland and the host of the radio show "Today With Dr. Kaye" on WEAA-FM (88.9) in Baltimore.

During her presentation, "Freedom Is an Act, Not a State: HBCUs as a Roadmap to Good Trouble," Whitehead highlighted how racial reckoning has helped address longstanding social and racial wealth gaps affecting Black Americans.

"My call to action is for everyone to reread the Declaration of Independence and be sure to vote in November to preserve democracy."

Guests who attended shared their positive impressions. Dr. Shawntay Stocks, associate director of Transform Mid-Atlantic, said the conference created an important space for connection among HBCU students, faculty and staff throughout the region. Transform Mid-Atlantic is an association of colleges and universities in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Delaware.

"Today's event honored the long legacy of civic engagement and activism at HBCUs while encouraging collaboration on current and future efforts."

A student participant reflected on the conference's impact and the continuing relevance of the HBCU mission.

"I discovered that everyone has a voice and a story to share. HBCUs must continue to speak collectively and serve as a beacon of hope. History teaches us that we all play a role in preserving the HBCU legacy and sharing its impact in our communities every day."