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CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH

BLACK SCHOLARS NEWSLETTER

March 5, 2025


The Black Scholars Newsletter shares dynamic, informative, and empowering stories that uplift, encourage, and inspire our community.

Editors

Picture of Black Scholars Newsletter Editor, Monet Jenkins

Monet Jenkins

Picture of Black Scholars Newsletter Editor, Emmanuel Okereke

Emmanuel Okereke

To get more announcements, and stay up to date with community events and opportunities, follow us on Instagram @csulbblackscholars

Save the Date

5th Annual Black Alumni Scholarship Gala

 

We are thrilled to announce our 5th Annual Black Alumni Scholarship Gala is coming this Spring! This prestigious event will honor the remarkable achievements and contributions of Long Beach State students, community members, and more. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details on ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities. We look forward to celebrating with you! 

Read more here.

Black History Month Recap

Celebrating Black Excellence

By Monet Jenkins


At CSULB, students and faculty/staff engaged in a variety of events and activities that celebrate the contributions and achievements our Black community has made at The Beach. The Black Cultural Resource Center took the lead in ensuring students, staff and faculty could come together to honor the traditions, histories, and voices of the community. From performances from the Long Beach Honeys dance team to meaningful discussions of Black identity development, the month of February fostered celebration, cultivated dialogue, and provided a deep appreciation for Black culture and history.  

Read More Here

Black History Month Recap

The Power of Performance

By Monet Jenkins and Z'nya Spears


Among the many activities held during the celebration of Black History Month, the Long Beach Honeys Dance Team and members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) at CSULB demonstrated their unity, talent, and cultural expression in a series of dynamic performances. In addition to campus events, students were also invited to perform at city-wide gatherings, high schools, and other community events. These unforgettable performances showcased the incredible talent within our community, serving as a reminder of the hard work and effort students put into reminding others of the power, creativity, and diversity of Black culture. 

Read More Here

Honoring Malcolm x

A 60th Anniversary Commemoration

By Emmanuel Okereke


On Friday, February 21st, the CSULB community gathered to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Haji Malcolm X’s assassination and martyrdom, celebrating his immense contribution to the struggle for Black liberation. The event was organized by the Africana Studies Student Association (ASSA), with support from Dr. Maulana Karenga, the Black Faculty and Staff Association, and Dr. M. Keith Claybrook, chair of the Africana Studies department. The commemoration was a collective effort, as the Black Student Union and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated also participated in as volunteers, ensuring a united tribute to in honor Malcolm X’s legacy. 


Read More Here

The Art of Healthy Living

Using Ayurveda to Curate Balance in an Everchanging World

By Mark Kelly


Ayurveda is an ancient holistic system of healing that is over 5000 years old yet is still practiced today in many countries including the US, Canada, Australia, Europe, China, India, Japan, and South Korea. In India alone over 400 colleges, universities, and institutions teach Ayurveda. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) estimates that around 250 million American adults currently use Ayurvedic medicine. It includes a multifaceted philosophy that acknowledges the interdependence of the mind, body, and spirit and recognizes the significance that our daily lifestyle has on our health. It is a “sister science” to the philosophy and practice of Yoga, embracing the concept of self-realization and self-awareness to bring about peace. Grounded by the concept of the five elements (panchamahabotas) as the components of everything existing in the universe, ayurveda uses a blend of lifestyle and dietary principles, detoxification therapies, herbal supplements, as well as seasonal and daily routines to bring balance and stability to our lives. 

Read More Here

ASI Updates

Saniya Debose, the chair of the University and Recreation Wellness Center Board of Trustees

By Saniya Debose


Hi Beach Family. It’s nice to see you again! I’ve got new ASI events for you to keep up with. Once again, I don’t speak on behalf of the organization. On that note, here are a few events. ASI Government elections are coming up. Here are the events coming up:

  • Like puppies? Go to the first Meet the Candidates! March 4, 2025 at 12pm at the North Lawn.
  • Is Boba more your style? Boba and Ballots is the next day! March 5, 2025 at 11am at the Bookstore Walkway.
  • Your campus is diverse! See it with your own eyes at Culture Fest! March 13, 2025 at the USU Ballrooms.
  • This year, we’ve got Ruby Bridges, the first African American child to attend a formerly whites only school, William Frantz Elementary School. Learn more about her! March 19, 2025 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center at 7 pm. Doors open at 6pm. Get your tickets here at tix.com
  • Into wellness and sustainability? Let me show you some options for this month. Join Sustain U to learn how to compost! March 24, 2025 at 12pm at the USU West Patio.
  • Interested in learning how to cook something new? Make vegetarian Sushi with Sustain U! March 27, 2025 at the ASI Beach Kitchen! Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP at Events & Orgs. They’re only taking the first 12.


Thank you for reading! If you’d like to check out the calendar on your own, click the link here. See you next time!

News Highlights

Beach Scholarships

Fall 2025 are now open from January 21 - March 11, 2025! BeachScholarships is an online tool that connects you to the latest campus scholarship opportunities through one simple application. 

2025-2026 FAFSA

The 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available! Students may submit their 2025-26 FAFSA form here.

Picture of Free Application for Federal Student Aid

FAFSA/CADAA Workshops

Work on your scholarship and FAFSA/CADAA application with us! The Financial Aid & Scholarships office will host a workshop on financial aid and scholarship opportunities followed by a writing retreat with free food and mentors to help you get started! Pick one session or come to more than one if you need more time. 

Check out their workshops here

Events and Programs

Newsletter Highlights

Want us to highlight someone you know? Send us the names of people or organizations you think should be recognized and we’ll share their accomplishments in our monthly newsletter. Submit the form below.



Newsletter Highlights Form

Become a Black Scholars Volunteer

The Black Scholars Program invites any community member who would like to help us with upcoming programming including campus tours, tabling events, and the annual gala to sign up as an official CSULB volunteer. Use the link here to make an account and designate your interest in the Black Alumni Scholars Program. We will make updates as new volunteer opportunities become available, and look forward to working with you! 

Sign Up Here!

Dates: Thursday, March 6, 13, 20, 27, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Location: Brotman Hall 226 or 123A

Sisterfriends

A supportive networking group for Black women at CSULB, Sisterfriends meets every week that school is in session.


Dr. Somone Washington

Book Release

Join us at the University Library for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Somone Washington as she discusses her powerful new book, The Best Of All Things: A Tapestry of Faith, Hope, Resilience, and the Human Connection. Fr. Washington shares her journey of courage and perseverance through emotional and physical challenges, offering hope and guidance to those battling chronic illness - especially those undergoing delays - as well as their caregivers and loved ones.

Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Location: University Library Room 501

Scholarship Deadline: Tuesday,

March 11, 2025

Black Alumni Scholarship Application

Have you applied for the Black Alumni Scholarship? If not, here's a quick reminder that the Black Alumni Scholarship deadline is around the corner. Check out Beach Scholarships to apply!


Check out our website here

Boba Breaks

Join the Women’s and Gender Equity Center (WGEC) and the Asian Pacific Islander Desi (APID) Center for a relaxing Boba Break! Take a moment to unwind, connect with peers, and enjoy a free boba drink while engaging in meaningful conversations.

Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: Brotman Hall 270

Date: Friday, March 14, 2025

Time: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Location: USU Ballroom

Women of Color Conference

Are you looking for a space to make connections and build your network? We got you! This event offers a safe space for student to engage in meaningful discussions, gain valuable insights from accomplished speakers, and participate in interactive workshops tailored to their unique experiences as women of color. This is an entirely free event for all students! There will be giveaways and opportunity drawings! See you here!

Black December

BLACK DECEMBER is a drama set in the South at the Odessa plantation and spans across four decades (1940, 1970, 1990, and present day). The story follows the lives of three Odessa women, each grappling with a mysterious generational curse that strikes every December causing them to lose something or someone that they love. As the Odessa women struggle with love and loss, they must figure out a way to break the curse to experience genuine happiness. The show explores themes of resilience, faith, trauma and family.

Dates: March 14, 15, 16, 2025

Location: Long Beach Playhouse Studio Theatre

5201 E Anaheim St, Long Beach 90804


Check out times and buy tickets here

Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location: LBX Hangar

4150 McGowen Street, Long Beach 90846

Women's History Market

Join us 12pm-5pm for a Women’s History Celebration on the Hangar Lawn with @theconnectionstrategist! Grab a bite and a brew from one of LBX's Restaurants and Hangar Eateries. This community event is free to attend. Pets + families welcome!

Real Talk: Women In Business

Are you ready for an empowering and candid conversation? Join us at the “Real Talk: Women in Business” event hosted by the College of Business and the Women’s Gender Equity Center. We’ll delve into essential topics that matter to women in the business world. 

Date: Monday, March 17, 2025

Time: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location: College of Business 140

Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location: USU 305

Women Veteran's Convening

Join us at the University Library for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Somone Washington as she discusses her powerful new book, The Best Of All Things: A Tapestry of Faith, Hope, Resilience, and the Human Connection. Fr. Washington shares her journey of courage and perseverance through emotional and physical challenges, offering hope and guidance to those battling chronic illness - especially those undergoing delays - as well as their caregivers and loved ones.


Women & Career Symposium

The Women and Career Annual Symposium this year will be an engaging program featuring career preparation roundtable sessions, and networking opportunities. Plus, you can have your headshot taken for your LinkedIn profile! This comprehensive event aims to enhance your career readiness and boost your confidence.

Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025

Time: 3:00 - 5:00

Location: USU Ballrooms

Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Location: USU 205

Gender Inclusive Training

An engaging and interactive workshop hosted by the Women’s and Gender Equity Center and the LGBTQIA+ Resource Center. This session is designed to explore the importance of gender-inclusive language and its impact on creating a more equitable and respectful environment.

Women in Engineering Conference

The Beach Women in Engineering Conference is back for another year! Network with other engineering majors, faculty, and industry leaders, and hear from women engineers who have gone on to become successful in their fields. Join us for this not-to-be-missed conference, and you’ll come away informed, enthused, and inspired! 

Date: Friday, March 28, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Location: USU Ballroom

Dates: Saturday, March 29, 2025 & Sunday March 30, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Location: Aquarium of the Pacific

100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach 90802

Intenrational Children's Festival

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s twentieth annual International Children’s Festival is a special festival for kids. Celebrating the talents of children of many cultures, this festival features cultural presentations and performances by children.


The Aquarium will also honor a local youth with its annual Young Hero Award in recognition of their efforts to make our planet a better place.


The festival is free with Aquarium admission.


Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Scholarships

As we continue to build on the legacy of empowering the next generation of Black leadership, we are excited to announce that our 2025 scholarship applications are now open!

 

These scholarships offer nine diverse opportunities for incoming freshmen, current undergraduate students, and master/doctoral candidates to achieve their academic dreams.

Scholarship Deadlines: March 2025


Apply for scholarships here!

Black Resource Center Fundraiser

We're excited to announce that the Black Resource Center has launched a fundraiser, and it is live on our website! Your donations will support the everyday needs of students, including school supplies, snacks, hair care products and more. In addition, this helps us continue the quality programming such as our Black History Month Cookout, Black Graduation Celebration, and Black Beach for Life - First Year Experience. 

Please consider supporting with a donation, or by sharing this information with your networks.



This fundraiser was made possible by a group of NPHC alumni who set a goal to raise $5000. Please read more about them on the BRC Website. Anyone can contribute and no amount is too small. 

Here's a link to Give to the BRC

Artistic Entry

Beyond the Frame

"Beyond the Frame" is an art exhibition celebrating the resilience and innovation of the Black community, featuring established artists alongside emerging talents. This piece is by Monica Fleming, who will be part of a set of featured artists in this showcase. The opening night took place on Friday, February 28, from 6 to 9 PM, with music, a Meet the Artists opportunity, and a fashion show. The exhibit will run through March 21 at Loiter Galleries, with regular hours Thursday-Saturday from 5-8 PM and Sunday from 1-4 PM, at 425 The Promenade N Long Beach, California 90802.

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