By Kendra Bryant
Special to the AFRO
Maryland’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) celebrated their fall 2025 graduates at December commencements. Graduates attended Morgan State University, Bowie State University and University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Photo Credit: Jayla Hill
“This degree that you’ve received is not simply to be a blessing in your hands, but it’s meant to be a benefit for someone else,” said Dr. Howard-John Welsey, senior pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church and Bowie State University commencement speaker. “With this degree, the Lord God Almighty will open a door for you and position you into a place where you least expect it to use this degree to hold that door open for other people to come.”
Bowie State University and Morgan State University held their commencements on Dec. 19. Morgan hosted their largest fall graduating class of 600 graduates.
“When I look back on my time at Morgan, one of the biggest lessons that stands out to me is that you never stop learning, no matter what stage of life you’re in,” said Tavon Thomasson, multimedia journalism graduate and recipient of the President’s Award for Exceptional Creative Achievement. “You’re always learning, whether that means gaining more knowledge in your field, developing new skills, or learning more about yourself. Throughout my four years at Morgan State, I was constantly learning in all of those ways. I wasn’t just becoming more educated academically; I was also learning who I was and who I was becoming.”
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore held its commencement on Dec. 13, featuring remarks from summa cum laude business administration graduate Terrel Lawrence.
According to theNational Center for Education Statistics, during the 2021-22 academic year, 48,800 degrees were conferred by HBCUs. About two-thirds were bachelor’s degrees (67 percent) and 16 percent were master’s degrees.
“I think the overall experience is something that you will never get at a regular university,” said Jayla Hill, Bowie State sports management graduate. “At an HBCU, the atmosphere is like a true community. You are able to learn about your true history without having to worry about it being sugar-coated or lied about.”
On Jan. 22, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order terminating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from federal workspaces, contracting and spending. The order states “that many corporations and universities use DEI as an excuse for biased and unlawful employment practices and illegal admissions preferences.”
“With everything going on in the current political climate, I believe HBCUs provide a safe space for Black students to learn and grow,” said Thomasson. “It’s an environment where students know the professors and staff have their best interests at heart and understand the challenges they are facing.”
“At Bowie State University, I learned the importance of having a community,” said Edward McNeil III, Bowie State sports management graduate. “There’s a lot going on in America and it’s very important for us HBCU students to use our resources to research and support each other in building a better future here in America.”
Photo Credit: Tavon Thomasson
HBCUs were founded prior to the Civil War to provide education for Black students during a time where they were not allowed to enroll at most colleges and universities.
“I originally attended Frostburg State University, which is a small predominately White institution (PWI) in the mountains. I was one of the two Black women on the softball team,” said Hill. “I found it very difficult to express myself. After dealing with microaggressions and unhappiness, I started looking into HBCUs. When I visited Bowie State University, I immediately felt a difference when I spoke to students, my coach and other players.”
According to Gusto Insights, the job market for new graduates has weakened every year since 2022. New graduate hiring continued to decline in 2025, down 16 percent compared to 2024.
“Three pieces of advice I’d give to graduates are to stay coachable, make sure your decisions are guided by integrity, and seek opportunities to grow and continue building your resume,” said Dr. Marie A. Brown, career readiness counselor and education specialist at Bowie State University. “Setting realistic goals, such as applying to two to five jobs a week, supports both your career and mental health.”
Photo Credit: Edward McNeil III
Dr. Brown also encourages graduates to utilize professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn and Handshake.
“Leverage educational and alumni connections by reaching out to professors and joining professional organizations,” said Dr. Brown. “Graduates should use their university’s career center and attend workshops and job fairs. Invest in your growth by attending seminars and workshops focused on professional development.”
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), who delivered a commencement address at Morgan State University, urged graduates to use their degrees to build a legacy.
“Do something more with your degree than just make a living, make a life,” said Warnock. “Decide today what will be your life’s project, and make sure your life’s project is larger than your life span. If your life’s project can be accomplished in your lifespan, you’re thinking too small.”