04/25/2024
The Bowie State University and University of Maryland Social Justice Alliance held its Sixth Annual Symposium at the University of Maryland during Black Alumni Weekend 2024.
Panelists included Amanda Seales, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Nikkolas Smith, Lara Coates, and Leon Timbo. The event was moderated by CNN's Laura Coates.
The panel discussed the intersections of anti- Black racism, social justice, entertainment and art.
Awards were given to individuals from UMD and BSU who further the Alliance's mission, and honor the legacy of Lt. Richard Collins III.
Dr. Joni Floyd, was awarded the Social Justice Alliance Excellence in Leadership Award which recognizes faculty, staff and administrators who, through their leadership inspire students to engage in anti-racist work in their communities.
Miriam Oke was given the Social Justice Alliance Student Impact Award which recognizes students who disrupt racism and white supremacy in their academic institutions, organizations and/or communities.
Nikkolas Smith and Laura Coates were presented with the Social Justice Alliance Trailblazer Award which recognizes prominent national figures in the fight toward equity for all people.
SJA's Member of the Year was awarded to Jeanette Cristine Snider Assistant Research Professor, Social Justice Alliance and Anti-Black Racism Initiative.
Bowie State University, in collaboration with the University of Maryland and the 2nd Lieutenant Richard Collins III Foundation, has developed a Social Justice Alliance, created to honor the legacy of BSU alumnus Lt. Collins and promote social justice on their respective campuses. Lt. Collins was posthumously promoted to the rank of first lieutenant by the U.S. Army.
Led by faculty experts and staff from each university, the alliance is addressing critical issues facing campuses, communities and the nation by engaging our students and communities to bring about the social justice change we want to see.
