BSU Alum Offers Words of Inspiration at Student Alumni Association Gathering

By Jasmine Carr

The BSU Student Alumni Association hosted bookseller and alumus Derrick Young at its regular monthly meeting on Oct. 1.

At the session, Young described his journey from his native Washington, D.C., to Prince George's County and later to his graduation from Bowie State University in 1996 and his founding of Mahogany Books, along with his wife, in 2006.

Young said he started in the book industry by working at Karibu bookstore while he was a student at BSU. He said he found that writing helped him to express who he is inside and his worked helped to empower others. His favorite book is 2000 Seasons by Aykusei Armah. Young said that the book is about "a black people movement from Diaspora.

"It takes you on a journey from that part of history to now," Young said. "The novel is written like poetry. You get chills reading it. It makes you take a step back and reflect on who you are and who you want to be. To read the book, you are beginning a journey of soul searching."

Young said he wants to inspire everyone to understand who they are and to push forward in their respective communities. He wants everyone to enjoy life and to cherish what they do. "If you love what you are doing, then ask yourself, if you were not getting paid, would you still do it? "

Young's visit is among several educational, networking and social events offered by the Student Alumni Association. The organizations plans to be involved in several BSU homecoming events this month.

"The Student Alumni Association has helped me cultivate and grow through patience, leadership, and the unity of the organization," said student member Tiffanie Johnson.

Jessica Garden, another association member agreed. "This organization will broaden my horizons, it is a good way to network, and meet other students."

For more information about the SAA, contact Annette Wedderburn, Coordinator of Alumni Programs and Membership, Office of Alumni Relations, at (301) 860-4327.

The Student Alumni Association (SAA) is a network foundation for Bowie State University and Bowie State University National Alumni Association. The organization has several events throughout the year that connects BSU students, alumni, and prospective students. The Student alumni Association strives to bring Bowie State Spirit not only to the Bowie State students, not only to the alumni, but nationally.