Art, Advocacy and Adventure: Alexis Kennedy’s Creative Journey

Bowie State University first caught Alexis Kennedy's attention at a national theater festival.

"When I was a freshman at Prince George's Community College, I attended the American College Theater Festival in Washington, D.C.," recalls Kennedy, '25 who holds a B.S. in theater arts. "Bowie State stood out because it was the only HBCU there, and the students racked up so many awards and accolades. I felt super inspired and decided to explore the university's arts program."

She soon joined Urbanz, a collective of emerging artists from colleges and universities across the region. The group included Bowie State undergraduates, and their semesterly open mic event on campus, known as Urbanz Slam at Bowie State, was another space she discovered where creatives could showcase their work. The relationships she developed guided her decision to transfer and ultimately thrive in the Department of Fine & Performing Arts.

Once Kennedy arrived on campus, she immersed herself in the university's vibrant theater community. "At its core, our theater program offers a 'choose your own adventure' experience. Students are taught how to be resourceful both artistically and personally."

Kennedy also sang with the University Concert Choir, which performed at several Washington D.C. venues, including the Museum of the Bible, the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

"At the Kennedy Center, we participated in a 2024 Juneteenth gospel tribute to Richard Smallwood in collaboration with the National Symphony Orchestra, which was an important experience connecting my artistic work with cultural expression."

One of her most meaningful roles at Bowie State continues as an alumnus. For the third year in a row, Kennedy organized and led a Black History Month showcase of students and performers at Jessup Correctional Institution through BSU's Prison Education Program.

"My involvement began just as I finished my first semester at Bowie State. I felt like I was still gaining my bearings on campus, but one of my professors came to me with the opportunity to perform in a really cool showcase alongside inmates earning their bachelor's degrees at Bowie State."

Kennedy said the experience was more inspirational than she expected.

"I cannot express enough what that first experience meant to me. It truly imprinted on my heart. BSU creates an incredible opportunity for fellowship with inmates as they strive to reach their fullest potential."

Kennedy stays in close contact with Dr. Charles Adams, a professor in the Department of Criminal Justice, who gave her the green light to remain involved and continue building the program's momentum.

"This year, 15 Bowie State students from different disciplines traveled to Jessup with performances, art and stories to share," she said. "I'll keep coming back to manage this showcase as long as BSU will have me!"

Kennedy is also exploring graduate programs in arts management and administration while participating in community-centered creative opportunities. One such initiative is Girls Rock! DC, a summer program that empowers young girls through music.

"Over the course of a week we teach young girls a brand-new instrument, and at the end of the week we produce a rock concert. I'm committed to youth arts education."

When Kennedy was an undergrad, she was executive producer for BSU Theatre. In that leadership role, she mentored underclassmen and helped them discover their own artistic paths.

"If a student didn't get cast in a play, I guided them to other options, such as technical roles where they had a chance to learn new skills. That's how I discovered my own love for directing."

She also found inspiration outside of the arts. As a member of the Outdoor Club, she joined a camping trip that followed sites along the Underground Railroad - an experience so powerful it sparked a play she's writing.

"Unique experiences can inspire you in any discipline. You never know where you'll find inspiration or motivation."

That idea shapes her advice for current students.

"Forever remain open-minded. Don't assume that whatever is presented to you at face value is all there is. And keep community at the center of what you do. There's power in numbers. Working together is more rewarding than working alone."

Above all, Kennedy encourages students to seize every opportunity the university offers.

"That's a philosophy I learned at Bowie State that sticks with me in everything I do."