BGSO’s 6th Annual Ebony Sneaker Ball! April 11th, 2026 Step into the 90s and 2000s at BGSO’s 6th Annual Ebony Ball

Join the Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) for the 6th Annual Honors and Awards Ebony Sneaker Ball, a vibrant celebration inspired by the iconic fashion, music, and culture of the 1990s and 2000s. This year's event brings together students, faculty, and community members for an evening of recognition, connection, and fun.

The night will feature keynote speaker Dr. Christa Porter, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School at UMBC, alongside host Serena Studivant, Assistant Director of Commuter Student Success. Guests can enjoy a full experience including a live DJ, dinner, and a professional photoshoot station.

Whether you come dressed in retro streetwear or classic throwback style, the Ebony Sneaker Ball is your chance to celebrate excellence, honor achievements, and relive the energy of two unforgettable decades. Join us on Saturday, April 11th, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 PM at the Skylight Room for a night you won't want to miss.

]]> Join the Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) for the 6th Annual Honors and Awards Ebony Sneaker Ball, a vibrant celebration inspired by the iconic fashion, music, and culture of the 1990s... Image https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/f2b5096dd0125dfeed14efde6ad97f4d/69e60547/news/000/157/616/cae9e7d439ddf1ad76bdcf30cd03a5bf/Screenshot 2026-03-23 101638.png?1774275538 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/157616/guest@my.umbc.edu/3ac908359ca6c289c2b94842e6a05261/api/pixel 2000s-theme 90s-theme baltimore-events bgso black-excellence black-graduate-student-organization campus-events community-celebration dinner-event diversity-and-inclusion dj-music ebony-ball graduate-students honors-and-awards keynote-speaker networking photoshoot retro-style sneaker-ball spring-2026 student-life throwback umbc university-events UMBC Black Graduate Student Organization https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/bgso https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xsmall.png?1580000154 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/original.png?1580000154 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xxlarge.png?1580000154 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xlarge.png?1580000154 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/large.png?1580000154 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/medium.png?1580000154 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/small.png?1580000154 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xsmall.png?1580000154 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xxsmall.png?1580000154 UMBC Black Graduate Student Organization https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/157/616/3131783c9c9ec1360a877d26f392c139/xxlarge.jpg?1774275789 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/157/616/3131783c9c9ec1360a877d26f392c139/xlarge.jpg?1774275789 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/157/616/3131783c9c9ec1360a877d26f392c139/large.jpg?1774275789 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/157/616/3131783c9c9ec1360a877d26f392c139/medium.jpg?1774275789 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/157/616/3131783c9c9ec1360a877d26f392c139/small.jpg?1774275789 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/157/616/3131783c9c9ec1360a877d26f392c139/xsmall.jpg?1774275789 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/157/616/3131783c9c9ec1360a877d26f392c139/xxsmall.jpg?1774275789 Flyer for the 6th Annual BGSO Ebony Sneaker Ball at UMBC. Colorful gradient background with gold border, featuring host Serena Studivant and keynote speaker Dr. Christa Porter. Event includes DJ, dinner, and photos, taking place Saturday, April 11th, 2026 from 5–8 PM at the UMBC Skylight room in Baltimore, MD. 0 0 true Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:35:17 -0400 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:06:15 -0400 BGSO Ebony Ball Awards 2026 Voting Celebrate and recognize the outstanding members of our UMBC The Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) invites the UMBC community to vote for the final nominees for the 2026 Ebony Ball Awards. These awards recognize Black students, faculty, and staff who have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, mentorship, and community impact. Cast your vote to help us honor those who continue to uplift and inspire our campus community. Only one vote per category is allowed.

https://forms.gle/KtxxzwTTQxsstD1K6 ]]> The Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) invites the UMBC community to vote for the final nominees for the 2026 Ebony Ball Awards. These awards recognize Black students, faculty, and staff... https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hW0svygsOYtBzyVutQWC25KBwdqbRH11oSnzeZ-RHR4/edit Image https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/056599ca6521dfe6e5633ed53941d686/69e60547/news/000/157/231/037c15486e7547238a4ae16526803112/Screenshot 2026-03-06 083014.png?1772803855 https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/157231/guest@my.umbc.edu/566f6d6e0344698c81fb23691910b843/api/pixel 2026-events bgso black-excellence campus-event ebony-ball graduate-students sneaker-ball student-leadership umbc umbc-community umbc-events UMBC Black Graduate Student Organization https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/bgso https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xsmall.png?1580000154 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/original.png?1580000154 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xxlarge.png?1580000154 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xlarge.png?1580000154 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/large.png?1580000154 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/medium.png?1580000154 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/small.png?1580000154 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xsmall.png?1580000154 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xxsmall.png?1580000154 UMBC Black Graduate Student Organization https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/157/231/3bf21a35133be965b3b9ad779b3c510b/xxlarge.jpg?1772803984 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/157/231/3bf21a35133be965b3b9ad779b3c510b/xlarge.jpg?1772803984 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/157/231/3bf21a35133be965b3b9ad779b3c510b/large.jpg?1772803984 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/157/231/3bf21a35133be965b3b9ad779b3c510b/medium.jpg?1772803984 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/157/231/3bf21a35133be965b3b9ad779b3c510b/small.jpg?1772803984 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/157/231/3bf21a35133be965b3b9ad779b3c510b/xsmall.jpg?1772803984 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/157/231/3bf21a35133be965b3b9ad779b3c510b/xxsmall.jpg?1772803984 Graphic promoting the 6th Annual BGSO Sneaker Ball at UMBC, featuring the UMBC logo, illustrated sneakers, and bold text over a pink-to-orange gradient background. 0 0 true Fri, 06 Mar 2026 08:34:37 -0500 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:15:03 -0400 **Reminder** UMBC BGSO E-Board Officer Elections

Passionate about Black graduate student success? Join the BGSO E-Board and lead the change!

This is a reminder that BGGO officer elections  E-Board positions for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open for the Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) at UMB/UMBC! Thank you to those who have already submitted applications. The available positions include:

If you're a graduate student looking for leadership experience, meaningful connections, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, we’d love to have you join us! Deadline is June 14th. 

  1. Link to BGSO E-Board Positions 
  2. Submit your application to run for a position by filling out the Application Form. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you,

BGSO E-Board

]]> Passionate about Black graduate student success? Join the BGSO E-Board and lead the change! This is a reminder that BGGO officer elections  E-Board positions for the 2025-2026 academic year are... Document # https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/150531/guest@my.umbc.edu/8b0503716f8ad5e4535c3588363738d4/api/pixel bgso elections UMBC Black Graduate Student Organization https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/bgso https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xsmall.png?1580000154 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/original.png?1580000154 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xxlarge.png?1580000154 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xlarge.png?1580000154 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/large.png?1580000154 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/medium.png?1580000154 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/small.png?1580000154 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xsmall.png?1580000154 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xxsmall.png?1580000154 UMBC Black Graduate Student Organization https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/531/7ff657b0932879d7c25239c6e10eb402/xxlarge.jpg?1748967221 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/531/7ff657b0932879d7c25239c6e10eb402/xlarge.jpg?1748967221 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/531/7ff657b0932879d7c25239c6e10eb402/large.jpg?1748967221 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/531/7ff657b0932879d7c25239c6e10eb402/medium.jpg?1748967221 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/531/7ff657b0932879d7c25239c6e10eb402/small.jpg?1748967221 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/531/7ff657b0932879d7c25239c6e10eb402/xsmall.jpg?1748967221 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/150/531/7ff657b0932879d7c25239c6e10eb402/xxsmall.jpg?1748967221 0 0 true Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:18:10 -0400 UMBC BGSO E-Board Officer Elections

Passionate about Black graduate student success? Join the BGSO E-Board and lead the change!

We’re excited to announce that E-Board positions for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open for the Black Graduate Student Organization (BGSO) at UMB/UMBC! The available positions include:

If you're a graduate student looking for leadership experience, meaningful connections, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, we’d love to have you join us! Deadline is June 14th. 

  1. Link to BGSO E-Board Positions 
  2. Submit your application to run for a position by filling out the Application Form. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

BGSO E-Board

]]> Passionate about Black graduate student success? Join the BGSO E-Board and lead the change! We’re excited to announce that E-Board positions for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open for the... Document # https://dev.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/149743/guest@my.umbc.edu/624335ad3e65afd319c755128c21b828/api/pixel bgso elections UMBC Black Graduate Student Organization https://dev.my.umbc.edu/groups/bgso https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xsmall.png?1580000154 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/original.png?1580000154 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xxlarge.png?1580000154 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xlarge.png?1580000154 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/large.png?1580000154 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/medium.png?1580000154 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/small.png?1580000154 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xsmall.png?1580000154 https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/746/2bd1085a1a5e6f23860f2b30f0b93f33/xxsmall.png?1580000154 UMBC Black Graduate Student Organization https://assets2-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/743/eb4e80743be8825a2a03cae65f222597/xxlarge.jpg?1746213333 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/743/eb4e80743be8825a2a03cae65f222597/xlarge.jpg?1746213333 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/743/eb4e80743be8825a2a03cae65f222597/large.jpg?1746213333 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/743/eb4e80743be8825a2a03cae65f222597/medium.jpg?1746213333 https://assets4-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/743/eb4e80743be8825a2a03cae65f222597/small.jpg?1746213333 https://assets1-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/743/eb4e80743be8825a2a03cae65f222597/xsmall.jpg?1746213333 https://assets3-dev.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/149/743/eb4e80743be8825a2a03cae65f222597/xxsmall.jpg?1746213333 0 0 true Fri, 02 May 2025 15:20:10 -0400