Signature Events

Events

Intersectionality Day: In My (Identity) Shoes

A Bowie State University tradition that commenced on October 1, 2019, provides the BSU community the opportunity to show solidarity for the intersection of 3 diversity themed celebrations of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October 1-October 31), Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), and LGBT History Month (October 1- October 31). The entire BSU community wears all black for awareness and reflect on what it means for different identities at BSU and society.

Annual Taste of Hispanic Culture

Raices (Latino affinity student club) and the Office of Multicultural Programs host an annual Hispanic Heritage Month cultural luncheon that honors the national independence days in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile. The tradition started during Hispanic Heritage Month in 2017 under the student leadership Jose Romero (former president of Raices).

Latino Excellence Awards Program

The Latino Academic and Leadership End-of-Year Award Luncheon is an opportunity for the BSU community to honor the contributions of students, staff and faculty making an impact on campus. The event recognizes, celebrates and affirms students who excel in academics and leadership on campus. All full-time students that self-identify as a Latino or Hispanic origins earning a 3.2 GPA or better in the fall semester, as well as those who have been active with leadership roles on campus.

The inaugural event in 2020 recognized the Raices organization leadership team and members of the charter sorority of Sigma Lambda Gamma, the first Latina charter sorority at BSU and one of the first at a Maryland historically black college or university (HBCU).

A Day of Understanding

The Office of Multicultural Programs in collaboration with the Office of Equity and Compliance along with Bowie State University President Dr. Breaux facilitate an intentional dialogue on issues of diversity and inclusion in our organization. Bowie State University is one of more than 150 companies, thanks to Dr. Breaux, that participates in this national action network that engages with over 600,000 employees to build trust and drive action in communities through the Day of Understanding.

Heritage Month Celebrations

The Office of Multicultural Programs and Services observes the following theme months by offering events or activities to increasing understanding and appreciation within the campus community.

  • January– Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
  • February– Black History Month
  • March– National Women’s History Month/ Irish Heritage
  • April– Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month (observed at BSU; National recognition month is May)
  • May- LGBTQ Pride Heritage Month (observed at BSU in May; National recognition month is June)
  • June- LGBTQ Pride Month – During Summer message from Cabinet celebrating
  • September– National Hispanic-Latino Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15)
  • October– National Disability Employment Awareness Month & Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender History Month
  • November– National Native American Heritage Month
  • December– Universal Human Rights Month