The conference centered on social, physical, financial, mental, emotional and spiritual health, offering participants tools to prioritize personal wellness.
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Students and faculty at Bowling Green State University gathered for the 26th annual Black Issues Conference, focusing on the theme “Black Well-Being: Caring for Ourselves and Our Communities.”
The conference centered on social, physical, financial, mental, emotional and spiritual health, offering participants tools to prioritize personal wellness while strengthening their communities.
This year’s keynote featured a panel of four BGSU alumni — Dawn Burks, Jimmie Hicks III, Sharonda Glover and QuJuan Twilley — who shared personal experiences about navigating life after college and maintaining balance while making a community impact.
Organizers said the conference reaches beyond the university, drawing participation from students across Ohio and members of the broader Bowling Green community.
Throughout the day, attendees participated in breakout sessions designed to spark reflection and dialogue. One interactive workshop explored how Black students are often pushed into “survival mode” in academic and social spaces, encouraging conversations about shifting from merely enduring to actively thriving.
Students said the event provided practical insights as they prepare for life after graduation.
“So being able to gain insight from people who studied in these fields, people who actually work in these fields and focus on well-being — it’s a good thing, especially getting ready to graduate,” said Tyshaun Herron, a BGSU student. “I feel like a lot of the things that I’ve heard today will come up down the line, specific things like work-life balance.”
Ana Brown, senior liaison for community and well-being at BGSU, said the conference helps strengthen partnerships between the university and the surrounding community.
“I think this is a great opportunity for the community and the university to work together on issues impacting all of us, have a better understanding of those issues, and come together to talk about them holistically,” Brown said.
Ben Batey, BGSU’s senior chief community and well-being officer, said the event also promotes personal and professional growth.
“I think if individuals can come and really find their support systems and figure out tools and techniques they can use to help benefit their well-being, then we are going to have a win today,” Batey said.
Organizers said they plan to continue hosting similar conferences in the future to further conversations around wellness and community care.
