Black History Month Spotlight: Vince Owens

Q: Can you tell us a little about your journey in tennis and how you first got started?  

In celebration of Black History Month 2026, USTA Northern California proudly recognizes Mr. Vincent Owens for his dedication to youth development through tennis and his enduring impact across Oakland and beyond.

A respected leader on the USTA NorCal Diversity Committee, Mr. Owens has consistently advanced the mission of expanding access, representation, and opportunity within the sport. His volunteer service spans numerous campaigns, community activations, and youth-centered initiatives, always grounded in the belief that tennis is more than a game, it is a vehicle for discipline, confidence, education, and life transformation.

Mr. Owens is the Co-Founder of the Mills College Youth Tennis Program (now operating in partnership with Northeastern University’s Oakland campus). During its operation, the program raised over $250,000 to support youth access to tennis, coaching, equipment, and mentorship. Under his leadership, the initiative brought together corporate sponsors, community leaders, and educational institutions to create sustainable impact.

He is currently partnering with local nonprofits and civic stakeholders to relaunch the program in Spring 2026, ensuring the next generation of Oakland youth continues to benefit from structured tennis instruction and holistic development.

Mr. Owens’ commitment is deeply personal. As a youth, he played at facilities operated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland—experiences that shaped his trajectory. Today, he has come full circle, partnering with youth organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs and Girls Inc. to expand programming and resources. He also championed a successful campaign to help Girls Inc. secure a new transportation vehicle, removing logistical barriers so more young girls could access enrichment opportunities.

Mr. Owens played a significant role in addressing the encampment at the Athol Plaza Tennis Courts near Lake Merritt. Working alongside city officials and volunteers, he helped coordinate outreach efforts that supported unhoused individuals in finding housing while organizing court clean-ups and distributing essential supplies such as toiletries.

His advocacy ensured that the courts were respectfully restored to their intended purpose, providing a safe, healthy recreational space for youth and families in Oakland.

Through collaboration with the Oakland Athletic League, Mr. Owens brought over 50 youth to the Mills College campus for a full day of tennis instruction. He assembled some of the region’s most respected coaches to introduce young people, many for the first time, to a sport not typically accessible in their neighborhoods.

When asked, why does representation in tennis matter, especially for young Black athletes?                           Mr. Owens said: "It is important for Black/African American Athletes to see representation because black athletes were historically excluded from the tennis community. It is important to see someone that looks like you participate in a sport that has been historically white in the past. It gives the young black athlete the opportunity to change the narrative in this sport."

When asked, what would you say to a young Black player who is just starting out or may not see many people who look like them in the sport?                                                                    

Mr. Owens said: "Opportunities for Black/African Americans have not always existed for us in the tennis community due to a number of reasons (e.g. lack of accessibility, affordability, exclusivity, etc.). Therefore, I would tell them to research the origin of the game and the people that have made great strides in this sport. It is important to know the history of tennis and our (Black/African American) history within the sport as well."

Corporate and institutional partners have supported these efforts, including Mills College and United Parcel Service (UPS), where Mr. Owens has been a longtime employee (42 years) following his years of honorable service in the United States Army.

A proud graduate of Castlemont High School, Mr. Owens now serves as Alumni President—demonstrating his lifelong commitment to uplifting the institutions that shaped him.

His story was previously highlighted by USTA NorCal in a 2019 Black History Month interview, where he and his daughter Malaysia Owens shared reflections on family, mentorship, and the power of tennis to build bridges across generations.

Vincent Owens represents the spirit of Black History Month, not only through personal achievement, but through his service and advocacy for equity in the sport. His leadership continues to expand pathways for youth, strengthen community partnerships, and reaffirm tennis as a platform for social good.

USTA Northern California is proud to honor Mr. Vincent Owens as a 2026 Black History Month Spotlight honoree, celebrating a legacy rooted in service and commitment to the next generation.