Black Student Union Revives Community at Owens Community College

Student-led group aims to build bridges and provide a sense of belonging for minority students.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Black Student Union at Owens Community College has been re-established by students who wanted to create a space on campus where Black students could feel connected and represented. Led by students like Chalisa Rocker and Lynnishia Foster, the group has grown to over 100 members and hosts events focused on community building, professional development, and celebrating Black history and culture.

Why it matters

The revival of the Black Student Union at Owens is an important step in providing minority students with a sense of belonging and community on campus. As a commuter school, Owens can sometimes lack the tight-knit campus culture found at residential universities, so student-led organizations like the BSU help fill that void and give underrepresented students a voice.

The details

The Black Student Union was inactive for several years until students like Chalisa Rocker and Lynnishia Foster took it upon themselves to revive the group in 2024. Since then, the BSU has grown to over 100 members and hosts a variety of events, from professional development workshops to cultural celebrations. The group's main goals are to build connections between students, provide academic and social support, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

  • The Black Student Union was re-established in 2024 during Lynnishia Foster's first semester at Owens.
  • On February 17, 2026, the BSU hosted a panel discussion on 'Work Life Balance'.
  • The group will host its second annual 'Taste of Soul' lunch on February 26, 2026.
  • On February 27, 2026, the BSU will screen and discuss the film 'The Great Debaters' to close out Black History Month events.

The players

Lynnishia Foster

A 20-year-old social work major who helped revive the Black Student Union at Owens Community College in 2024.

Chalisa Rocker

The 34-year-old president of the Black Student Union and a second-year psychology major at Owens.

Isaiah Brenneman

The 20-year-old treasurer of the Black Student Union who is graduating in May with a degree in finance.

Troy Brown

The manager of recruitment at Owens and one of the advisers for the Black Student Union.

Janice Hall

An admissions recruiter at Owens who advises the Black Student Union along with Troy Brown.

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What they’re saying

“The deep-rooted nature of our being. It's the fact that we are coming together for the connection we can make so easily because of the color of our skin, the knowledge we crave, the history of excellence through oppression.”

— Lynnishia Foster (toledoblade.com)

“When people see me as the Black Student Union and where I came from, drugs, violence, mess, what they see is 'If she made it out, I can, too.'”

— Chalisa Rocker, President, Black Student Union (toledoblade.com)

“The main goal for us is 'What is this going to look like when we pass it down?' Every move is thinking about the next people who will take the torch.”

— Lynnishia Foster (toledoblade.com)

“It's all about community with us. We want to be the bridge between people who didn't know each other. The bridge for connections and friendships. Our goal is to build relationships and networks.”

— Isaiah Brenneman, Treasurer, Black Student Union (toledoblade.com)

“The essence and spirit of the college and university Black Student Union organizations rose from minority students being excluded from traditional college campus organizations. In fact, the first BSU was recognized in 1966 at San Francisco State University.”

— Troy Brown, Manager of Recruitment, Owens Community College (toledoblade.com)

What’s next

The Black Student Union plans to continue hosting events and activities that bring the Owens community together and provide support and representation for minority students. The group's leaders are focused on building a lasting legacy and passing the torch to future generations of students.

The takeaway

The revival of the Black Student Union at Owens Community College demonstrates the vital importance of providing minority students with a sense of belonging and community on campus. By creating a space for connection, empowerment, and celebration of Black culture, the BSU is helping to bridge divides and empower students to achieve their full potential.