Black Student Union President Leads with Passion and Purpose

Laila Jenkins advocates for diversity and inclusion at Framingham State University

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Laila Jenkins, a psychology major and president of Framingham State University's Black Student Union (BSU), has found a sense of community and purpose on campus after transferring from another institution. Jenkins, who describes herself as shy and soft-spoken, has stepped into a leadership role to ensure the BSU remains a vital resource for students of color. She is committed to making the club more inclusive and collaborative, while also advocating for greater diversity and representation at the university.

Why it matters

Affinity groups like the Black Student Union play a crucial role in providing a supportive community for underrepresented students on college campuses. Jenkins' experience highlights the importance of these organizations in helping students of color feel a sense of belonging and empowering them to make positive changes.

The details

Jenkins, who was born in New York and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, transferred to Framingham State after an unsettling experience at her previous university, where she felt microaggressions and racism were often overlooked. At Framingham, she found a more diverse and welcoming environment, which inspired her to get involved with the BSU. As the club's president, Jenkins has worked to strengthen its standing on campus and make it more collaborative with other organizations. She is driven by a desire to create a community where students of color can decompress and support one another.

  • Jenkins transferred to Framingham State during her sophomore year.
  • She became the president of the Black Student Union in the fall semester.

The players

Laila Jenkins

A psychology major and the president of Framingham State University's Black Student Union.

Framingham State University

A public university located in Framingham, Massachusetts, where Jenkins currently attends.

Black Student Union (BSU)

A student organization at Framingham State University that provides a supportive community for students of color.

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What they’re saying

“The diversity on this campus, and actually seeing people that looked like me, was a real shock factor. Going from a PWI to [Framingham] was really very interesting. I didn't know there were schools like this in Massachusetts.”

— Laila Jenkins, Black Student Union President (fsugatepost.com)

“It's just really important to me to be part of Black culture wherever I am. Whether it's on campus, in the real world, or just on social media, it's always important to me to advocate for people of color and create a community where everyone can decompress after school and finals and stuff.”

— Laila Jenkins, Black Student Union President (fsugatepost.com)

What’s next

Jenkins plans to continue leading the Black Student Union and working to make it a more inclusive and collaborative organization on campus.

The takeaway

Laila Jenkins' story highlights the vital role that affinity groups like the Black Student Union play in providing a supportive community for underrepresented students on college campuses. Her commitment to advocacy and creating a sense of belonging for students of color is an inspiring example of student leadership.