Joshua Bowman

It gives me a great thrill when public speaking to large crowds, as well as being an active role model within my surrounding communities; placing membership in social clubs and local organizations. As for myself, I like to use theoretical approaches when faced with difficult challenges in life. Such as, not limited to; domestic violence in the LGBTQ communities and equal opportunities for minorities. I care about people and want to make a difference in the world. As a teenager, growing up in the suburbs and an urban city, people would always say things such as, “you’re always happy, you have such a vivacious personality and kind spirit, and I like your smile”. 

As of today, all these admirable characteristics that were mentioned above, are still a part of me. The only difference is, through the lens of my resiliency; I had to work multiple jobs just to support myself financially as an independent student with no parental support. I dealt with health cries due to misfortunate circumstances and decisions, be ostracize because of my sexual identity, and that smile, which was always adorable in other’s eyes, became a self-conscious issue for me, whereas, I decided to get braces. Ultimately, through this journey, I was blessed and fortunate to graduate from one of the top historic black colleges in the nation, Howard University, cum laude. I had the opportunity to study abroad in Europe, with the pleasure of later returning to my alma mater engaging with students, staff, and faculty about this life changing experience. A country boy from the south, who went from saying, “what’s up my brother, to cheers mate”. I learned to listen, understanding that “less is more”.  

In 2016, I launched the Bowman Corporation in honor of my late mother; which is now a nonprofit organization “The Gwendolyn C. Bowman Foundation”. This organization focuses on raising funds for underprivileged kids in poor and urban communities back in my hometown, Orangeburg South Carolina. Our mission is “Change a heart, change a life, and brighten a future”. My mother was a woman of ism’s; humanitarianism, utilitarianism, and egalitarianism. Whom, I believe those aspiring characteristics had transcend over to me and therefore, I must carry on her legacy. I am a man of compassion, empathy, faith, and love. I treat others just as I want to be treated and I believe in power.