Leading through adversity: Black student leaders build community, strengthen Black student unions across Iowa universities

On campuses across Iowa, Black student leaders are working to preserve something deeper than tradition: community. From Iowa State University, Drake University, Grand View University and the University of Iowa, the students at the helm of Black Student Unions and related organizations are finding ways to foster belonging and advocacy in an era when diversity programs face growing political scrutiny and erasure. 

After the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, Black students’ presence increased at predominantly white institutions (PWI), along with racial incidents. That’s when Black Student Unions and alliances emerged to provide students with a community and a platform to fight for representation — and against injustices. That work continues today. 

Black Student Unions

Iowa State University

For Tavien Bragg, a sophomore majoring in psychology with a minor in political science, leading Iowa State University’s Black Student Alliance (BSA) is a significant undertaking. In a position usually held by upperclassmen, Bragg has taken on the role to try to make the BSA bigger and better than it has ever been.

As a first-gen college student, Bragg says that he has always been “reaching for the stars.” He attributes that to having given him the confidence to try for the position. His current goal is to bring the Black community together and create unity within the organization, while also teaching the values that Black people need to be successful. His theme for this year is unity.

But, the BSA has somewhat lost its spark, he stated. 

Bragg’s vision for the organization centers on “bringing it back to the foundation it was built on.” So far, it has been going well, but Brag plans on implementing new ideas, such as a Black Business Expo. This event would bring together multiple Black-owned businesses to help students find employment opportunities and acquire entrepreneurial skills.

University of Iowa

At the University of Iowa, the Black Student Union is working to preserve community and belonging at a time when diversity programs across the state are under scrutiny. Co-presidents Taeshaun Presswood and Mary Oriho, both student leaders committed to representation and inclusion, said their focus this year is on creating meaningful connections and space where people can feel stress-free.

One of Oriho’s top priorities for the BSU is offering “an atmosphere for Black individuals to come relax, enjoy their time, or just not have to deal with struggle consistently.” She said recent legislation restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts has made that work even more vital. “A lot of recent policy changes have prohibited the use of DEI in multiple instances,” she said. “So just being able to create a space for Black people, which is so limited in today’s climate, really matters.”

For Presswood, finding a sense of belonging was one of the most important parts of his college experience. “Finding the Black community was important,” he said. “We focus on member retention and community, making sure people feel supported when they come here.”

Despite the setbacks, both leaders remain determined to keep the BSU thriving. “We’re building community,” Presswood said, “and that’s something no policy can take away.”

Drake University

For Natasia Johnson, a junior majoring in law, politics, and society and sociology, leadership is familiar territory. She served as president of her high school’s Black Student Union, and when she arrived at Drake University, she knew she wanted to continue that work.

“I was used to being at a predominantly white institution and having a safe space for Black people,” Johnson said. “When I came to Drake, I knew that was something I wanted to find again.”

As president of Drake’s Coalition of Black Students, Johnson’s top priority is “going beyond.” She wants to reach beyond the walls of Drake’s campus and connect with the larger Des Moines community, whether that means partnering with local Black businesses or visiting the Capitol.

One of her proudest ongoing projects is reactivating Drake’s NAACP charter, which had been inactive for years. “It has been a lot of work, but it’s important,” Johnson said. “Once we’re rechartered, students will be able to access scholarships, grants and connect with local activists.”

She said the process has required persistence, such as contacting regional representatives, securing signatures from advisors and rebuilding membership. 

“It’s something that will make a lasting impact,” she said. 

Grand View University

At Grand View University, Saige Mayfield, a senior majoring in theatre, attributes her leadership in the Black Student Union to a lifelong commitment to activism.

“I wanted to create the same sense of belonging that I was looking for,” Mayfield said. Under her leadership, the organization has transformed from a quiet to a thriving one. 

“When I first transferred here, BSU was doing one event a semester,” she said. “Now we do about four events a month. It’s beyond crazy how it’s transformed.”

Those events range from volunteer work in Des Moines schools to collaborations with local Black-owned businesses. 

“We’ve networked with a lot of Black entrepreneurs,” Mayfield said. “We’ve brought their products to campus and handed them out to students, helping highlight Black culture and success in the community.”

While some have advised student leaders to stay quiet amid the state’s tense political climate, Mayfield feels the opposite. 

“More than ever, we should be using our voices,” she said. “That’s what our club is about, voicing our experiences and making sure people feel welcome.”

Across these campuses, the leaders share a common goal: building spaces of belonging and empowerment for Black students in Iowa. Their work continues the legacy of organizations founded more than half a century ago, ensuring those spaces remain vital for generations to come.

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Correction: In the November edition of the Black Iowa Newspaper, where this story first appeared, Taeshaun Presswood’s name was spelled incorrectly. We apologize for the error.