Governor Wes Moore and County Leaders Join Asantehene at Bowie State to Open African Heritage Month

Maryland Governor Wes Moore joined regional civic leaders and international dignitaries at Bowie State University for the grand celebration of Akwasidae USA 2026, marking the official commencement of African Heritage Month across the state and celebrating diplomatic, commercial, and cultural ties between Maryland and the West African diaspora.

The historic gathering, held at Bulldog Stadium on the campus of Maryland oldest historically Black university (HBCU), welcomed His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the 16th Asantehene of the Ashanti Kingdom in Ghana. The ceremony featured traditional royal processions, state honors, and cultural presentations drawing thousands of community members and diaspora leaders from across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Addressing the delegation alongside Prince George County Executive Aisha Braveboy, Governor Moore recognized the foundational contributions of African diaspora communities to Maryland economic, academic, and civic life. The governor framed the event as an extension of state initiatives designed to broaden international academic exchanges and foster bilateral trade partnerships with emerging African commercial markets.

Maryland is proud to stand as a national gateway for international cultural exchange and economic collaboration, Governor Moore stated during his address. By hosting this historic royal observance on the storied grounds of Bowie State University, our state reaffirms its enduring commitment to higher education, global heritage, and building economic bridges that benefit our local workforce and international partners alike.

County Executive Braveboy highlighted Prince George County role as a center of African-American and international diaspora leadership, noting that local investments in STEM education and workforce development at Bowie State align with international talent pipelines in technology, agriculture, and public healthcare administration.

State officials noted that the event coincided with formal executive proclamations establishing African Heritage Month throughout September, underscoring ongoing Maryland Department of Commerce initiatives to facilitate cross-border investments in port logistics, agricultural processing, and specialized manufacturing connecting Baltimore and the Washington metropolitan area with West African ports.