Hood College’s Black Student Union to Celebrate 51st Anniversary on October 24

Celebration to feature keynote and Q&A from award-winning actor and author Hill Harper

Oct 6, 2025

By Mason Cavalier

Hood College’s Black Student Union (BSU) is celebrating its 51st anniversary with award-winning actor, best-selling author, entrepreneur and philanthropist Hill Harper. Harper will join the BSU for an evening of conversation, featuring a keynote speech, Q&A and book signing on Friday, Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hodson Auditorium within Rosenstock Hall.

The BSU at Hood, established in 1974, was founded as both a social and educational union, meant to increase inclusion and understanding on campus and make a lasting impact at Hood and in the local Frederick community. Today, members of the BSU continue to provide fun and educational opportunities that promote awareness of Black culture both on and off campus.

Hill Harper has starred in hit television series and films, including “CSI: NY,” “The Good Doctor,” “He Got Game” and “Lackawanna Blues.” He is the author of four New York Times bestsellers and has received seven NAACP Image Awards for writing and acting.

Harper is the founder of the Manifest Your Destiny Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved youth. He also served on President Obama’s Cancer Panel. Harper holds a master’s degree and J.D. from Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Harvard Law School, respectively.

"This event means a lot to Hood’s Black Student Union,” said BSU President Ahmad Parker ’27. “To be in a room with other successful people of color, picking their minds and hearing their experiences is priceless. We appreciate Hill Harper for visiting our campus and are thankful to everyone who made it happen behind the scenes. This experience is accessible and open to students of all backgrounds on campus, fostering a closer community for the future."

“Hill Harper isn’t just telling stories, he’s changing the narrative,” said Tammi Simpson, J.D., vice president for community and inclusivity. “His dedication to youth empowerment, closing the wealth gap, entrepreneurship and social justice make him a force for positive change.”