By: Michaiah Varnes//
In celebration of 51 years of the Black Student Union at Hood College, the organization hosted two events on Oct. 24, featuring actor and author Hill Harper.
Harper, who starred in the show “The Good Doctor” series, engaged with students, alumni and faculty in conversations centered on empowerment, education and social justice.
The first event offered an intimate setting for about 30 attendees to connect directly with Harper.
BSU President Ahmad Parker and Vice President Christian Monte led the conversation, prompting Harper to delve into topics such as success, financial literacy, personal growth, and the importance of education.
Harper emphasized the power of mindset, urging students to be “active architects of our own lives.” He shared personal practices such as daily affirmations and meditation, which he also teaches his son.
Among the attendees were alumna Kamala Clark Green from the class of 1994.
“I served in leadership of the Black Student Union, so what drew me here was to be able to come back and celebrate but also embrace the newness of what African American culture here is,” Green said.
Green said she was particularly moved by Harper’s emphasis on intentional living. “I think that having a blueprint of your life is so tremendously impactful, especially as you start your life, because at 18, you’re starting here, and it is part of your life,” Green said. “I have an 18-year-old who is away at college this year, and part of that is saying the same thing: to have a blueprint. That was really energizing to hear.”
Green said she would advise students not to rush through college. “Run after your passion, have check boxes, but also be able to experience new things,” she said.”I think this is the ideal space to learn about social activism and social justice. An ideal space for you to find yourself and discover who you really are, because once you leave this campus, you will need that.”
Students were invited to respond to questions posed by Harper, including one that asked students to identify a pressing social issue.
One student highlighted crime in black communities and police brutality.
“Police brutality, that’s something that I feel like a lot of people don’t really understand,” Katie Canales, a junior and BSU treasurer, said.
The second gathering in Rosenstock Hall drew attendees from both Hood and Gettysburg College, including international students, alumni and BSU members.
Parker emphasized that the event aligned with BSU’s broader mission. “Our mission is really one of networking, and one is doing an educational programming series,” he said. “And this event knocked both of those things off the board in the sense that we had alumni coming back who said they want to come back and mentor, as well as the education aspect.”
Harper’s visit left an impression on the Hood College community, inspiring students to reflect on their goals, their communities, and the power of personal growth.
“I’m exuberated to see how many people were able to hear what he had to say,” Parker said.
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