Documentary Highlights the Power of Mentorship and Representation at Bowie State

Bowie State University hosted a campus screening of the first episode of "Thriving: Black Men in Higher Education," a two-part documentary series hosted by Roadtrip Nation, Lumina Foundation, ECMC Foundationand Bowie State University. The film was shown on October 20, 2025, in the James E. Proctor Building, bringing together students, faculty and community members to celebrate the achievements of Black men pursuing higher education.

Strada Education Foundation partnered in bringing this opportunity to Maryland's oldest HBCU. Strada Senior Vice President of HBCU and Engagement Daryl A. Graham, joined representatives from Lumina Foundation and ECMC Foundation for the event. A Baltimore native, Graham understands how access to educational and financial resources can determine whether marginalized students complete their degrees.

The documentary follows three Black men on their journeys to becoming an attorney, engineer and therapist. Each comes from a different region of the country and pursues a distinct career path, yet all find common ground in their educational experiences. During their road trip across America, the trio meets Black professionals thriving in psychology, STEM and law. Their mentors share wisdom and encouragement, reminding them that while underrepresentation may pose challenges, self-empowerment and a focus on community can help them succeed.

Coordinated by Dr. Karmalita Contee, director of private scholarships & grants, the screening reflected Bowie State's commitment to leadership and advocacy. Alumnus Mawuli Mel Davis, a civil rights attorney and founding partner of Davis Bozzeman Johnson Law, spoke about his work as a lawyer fighting for justice while mentoring young Black men to become future leaders.

Following the film, Vice President for Philanthropic Engagementand Executive Director of the Bowie State University Foundation, Brent Swinton, moderated a panel featuring faculty and students who shared their perspectives on education and personal growth within the Bowie community. Panelists included Dr. James B. Hyman, associate professor in the College of Business, Dr. Sean T. Coleman, associate dean of the College of Educationand Dr. Otis Williams, chair of the Department of Counseling & Psychological Studies. Student representatives were Johntae Wallace, junior communicationsmajor, Ryan Lynch, junior communications major and Mister Junior Bowie State, and Kuron Toye, junior education major. Together they explored how mentorship, perseverance and representation shape academic and professional success.

Dr. Coleman said participating in the discussion was especially meaningful. "We had an opportunity to hear the voices of Black men and their experiences in navigating higher education, seeing it from different angles. With our different perspectives, we still came to the same place and could identify with the documentary. It was very powerful," he said.

Students were equally inspired by the conversation. Donovan Reid, a junior computer technologymajor and SGA representative, reflected on the panel's impact. "Hearing their experiences from high school to college and how they became leaders was inspirational and informative. It showed what you can do when you take advantage of every opportunity," he said.

Panelists emphasized the importance of mentorship and the strength of a supportive community. Whether guidance came from family, teachers, professors or neighborhood friends, they agreed that encouragement and connection are essential to personal growth.

Reflecting on the event, Contee said, "I'm grateful for everyone who came together, the panelists, students and faculty members. They dropped whatever they had to do and were here. I hope students take back the tools that Roadtrip Nation provided and share them with their fellow Bulldogs."

Bowie State continues to lead the way in supporting the next generation of Black men in higher education. Through partnerships such as Strada's HBCU Initiative, the university equips future leaders and professionals with the tools and resources they need to achieve and succeed.