Hood College welcomed actor, author, and activist Hill Harper to campus last Friday for a keynote event that marked the 51st anniversary of the college’s Black Student Union (BSU). The evening, held in Hodson Auditorium at Rosenstock Hall, drew students, alumni, and community members eager to hear from a man whose career has consistently blended art, intellect, and social impact.
“51 years ago today, the Black Student Union was officially formed at Hood College. This was a powerful moment that you probably imagine speaks to the perseverance of the pioneering students and allies who as Maya Angela said, “we came as one and stood as 10,000.“ Overtime, BSU has grown to one of Hood’s largest and most impactful student-run organizations. Among many achievements, the BSU was instrumental in creating the “Liberation of the Black Mind” conference, an event that brings renowned guest speakers and students from across the state and country to Hood College.
The mission of the BSU has remained steadfast: to advocate for black students at hood and educate the community About issues that affect us all while remaining open to all.“
– President Debbie Ricker
Harper, best known for his roles in CSI: NY, The Good Doctor, and He Got Game, has spent decades navigating both Hollywood and Harvard. A graduate of Harvard Law School and the Kennedy School of Government, he has used his platform to speak on education, wealth, and empowerment, particularly within Black communities. As the founder of the Manifest Your Destiny Foundation, Harper advocates for closing the opportunity gap for underserved youth. His bestselling books, including “Letters to a Young Brother” and “The Wealth Cure”, have inspired readers to lead with purpose, passion, and personal accountability.
Harper’s speech, part storytelling, part call to action, urged listeners to “own their narrative” and see education as a tool for transformation. Drawing on his journey from the classroom to the screen, he reflected on how excellence, service, and self-belief remain timeless keys to progress.
For many in attendance, Harper’s message resonated beyond entertainment or academia—it landed as a personal challenge. His words about legacy and leadership echoed the spirit of the BSU’s founding in 1974: to create a space for dialogue, advocacy, and representation at Hood College and beyond.
As the evening closed, students lined up for a Q&A and book signing, eager to continue the conversation. Harper’s visit served as both celebration and reminder of how far the community has come, and of the shared responsibility to keep building.