Inaugural Speaker Series on Social Issues Welcomes Media and Sport Titan Voices
A spirit of candid conversation and civic reflection filled the Dionne Warwick Theater at the Fine and Performing Arts Center on Feb. 9, 2026, as Lou Holder, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and executive-in-residence with Academic Affairs, launched a new speaker series titled I Respectfully Disagree.” Holder moderated the panel.
The inaugural event marked the beginning of what Holder described as an ongoing effort to cultivate respectful dialogue, critical thinking and civil engagement across differences.
“This program was designed to bring together nationally recognized leaders, athletes, authors and educators,” Holder said. “The goal of the program is to encourage students and community members to engage in thoughtful and solution-oriented conversation across differences.”
Holder introduced a panel representing diverse professional and ideological perspectives. Participants included Etan Thomas, former NBA player, author and social justice advocate; Dr. Boyce D. Watkins, economist, author and founder of The Black Business School; and Torrey Smith, two-time Super Bowl champion and media voice on leadership, service and civic engagement.
The discussion was lively and, at times, deeply probing. Panelists examined public reaction to the recent Super Bowl halftime show, including commentary from government officials and political analysts. They also addressed national debate surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions and their impact on communities of color.
One of the most spirited exchanges centered on whether hip-hop culture poses a greater threat to the Black community than covertly racist policies and white supremacist groups. While perspectives varied sharply, the tone remained measured and purposeful.
Audience members witnessed disagreement without dismissal, passion without hostility. Panelists articulated their convictions, acknowledged their biases and responded directly to opposing viewpoints, modeling the very discourse the series seeks to promote.
The exchange energized the audience and demonstrated that difficult conversations can unfold without interruption, personal attacks or retreat.
Holder closed the evening by describing the series as a personal passion project and the beginning of recurring campus forums designed to challenge and inspire. He thanked Dr. Aminta Breaux, president of Bowie State University, Dr. Guy-Alain Amoussou, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs and Dr. Mary Grimes-McGreer, associate provost for Academic Programs, for supporting the initiative and helping bring the vision to life.
Together, they expressed a shared commitment to ensuring students have access to programming that sharpens intellect, broadens perspective and strengthens civic responsibility.
The event set a clear tone for the series ahead: disagreement need not divide. The program was an exciting part of a bigger series with an end goal to educate, elevate and unite a community committed to growth.