Join the Morgan State University Alumni Association, the Office of Alumni Relations, and Maryland Public Television in a special day-long programming of events to commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the 1990 Student Protest at Morgan State University. Through a powerful itinerary including a symposium, documentary viewings, and panel discussions, you will learn more about how the extraordinary efforts of student leaders produced lasting and transformative change for Morgan and, ultimately, all public HBCUs in Maryland.

6 Days of Determination: 1990 Morgan State Student Protest 35th Anniversary

WE FOUGHT THE POWER AND WON 

DATE: March 8, 2025

LOCATION: Morgan State University Student Student Center

TIME: 11:00 a.m. to 3: 00 p.m. (Doors open at 10:30 a.m.)

TICKETS: FREE! Registration Required – Click HERE TO REGISTER

DETAILS • ITINERARY

SESSION I: This Moment in Time (Tyler Ballroom 11:00 AM)

Welcome: Dr. David Wilson, President, Morgan State University

Historical Change: Dr. Edwin T. Johnson, '92, Historian & Special Assistant to the Provost

Why HBCU Week NOW? Mr. Travis Mitchell, '92, SVP & Chief Content Officer, Maryland Public Television, Founder, HBCU Week NOW 

LUNCH (11:45 am)

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SESSION II: Screening & Panel Discussion "Becoming Thurgood..." 

(Tyler Ballroom, 12:30 PM) 

The national PBS film “Becoming Thurgood…,” is slated to air nationally in primetime on PBS in September 2025. This film chronicles young Marshall's journey from his native Baltimore to his studies at HBCUs Lincoln University and Howard University on his way to a seat on the highest court in the land. A panel will discuss Justice Marshall’s legacy as an HBCU graduate and the contemporary relevance of his work.

CLICK HERE to view a clip from "Becoming Thurgood..." and to learn more about HBCU Week NOW

INTRODUCTIONS:  “Becoming Thurgood...” Film –  Mr. Travis Mitchell, Co-Executive Producer, “Becoming Thurgood”

MODERATOR: Dr. Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead, Host, Today with Dr. Kaye, WEAA 88.9 FM, Lincoln University alumnus

PANELISTS:

• Alexis Aggrey, Producer and Director, “Becoming Thurgood...”, Norfolk State University alumnus
• Cecilia Marshall, Granddaughter, Thurgood Marshall, Board Member, Legal Defense Fund & Director, External Partnerships, Partnership for Educational Advancement

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SESSION III: Screening & Panel Discussion Six Days  
(Student Center Theater, First Floor, 1:15 PM)

Hear the untold story of the impact of the largest student protest in the state of Maryland's history and how it led to $1.5 billion in campus construction and renovation at Morgan State University and served as a catalyst for an agreement reached by the state with its public HBCUs to invest over $500 M to remedy systemic underfunding.

CLICK HERE for a preview of "Six Days."

PANEL 1: A New Beginning:  The Impact of the 1990 Student Protest 

MODERATOR: Morgyn Wood, '09, Host, Black Information Network

PANELISTS (featured in the short film)

• Ms. Heidi Bruce '95
• Mr. Joe Clair '92
• Ms. Nicole Love Kelly '92
• Mr. Travis Mitchell '92
• Dr. William Powell '93
• Mr. Andre Tyler '91

ADDITIONAL INVITED SPEAKERS INCLUDE

• Dr. Paul Archibald
• Mr. Victor Bibbins
• Ms. Alonda Ferguson
• Mr. Daniel Harris
• Mr. John “Jay” Henry
• Mr. Torre McIver
• Ms. Tisha Lynton Rose
• Ms. Christina Royster
• Ms. Doreen Spicer-Dannelly
• Ms. Fawn Thompson
• Dr. Marquis Walker
• Mr. Weyden Wedderburn
• Mr. Tracy Wiggs
• Ms. Fatima Yasmeen
• AND others to be added…

PANEL 2: A New Ending: Implications of the $577 Million Settlement for Maryland HBCUs.

MODERATOR: Dr. Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead, Host, Today with Dr. Kaye, WEAA 88.9 FM, Lincoln University Alumna

PANELISTS

• Dr. Earl S. Richardson, Morgan State University president 1985-2010
• Mr. David Burton, Chair, Coalition for Equity & Excellence in Maryland Higher Education
• Mr. Chinedu Nwokeafor, '17, NIH Specialist

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SESSION IV: Where do we go from here? 
(University Student Center Theater, 2:45 PM)

A discussion about the newly-formed 1990 MSU Student Protest Commemoration Group.

MISSION: Amplify the voices of students past, inspire continued collective action, and strengthen advocacy at Morgan State University, our National Treasure.

VISION: Educate and empower the HBCU community to create a world where all students receive access to exemplary education utilizing the model created by the 1990 student protest at Morgan State.

PURPOSE: Preserving the legacy of leadership, equity, and justice at HBCUs while working toward positive change through engagement, education, and empowerment.