Kenneth Oden- Assistant Director – Men’s Success Initiative (MSI) |
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A wise man once said, “95% of OUR problems can be solved with unity”. It is an honor to introduce myself to you all in the Black Scholars Community. I am Kenny Oden, and I currently serve as the Assistant Director to the Men’s Success initiative (MSI) at California State University Long Beach (CSULB).
I am native of the South Bay area by way of Carson, Ca. The foundational years of my schooling were rocky and traumatic. Often, I felt like a foreigner during my experience. There was a lack of exposure to my culture, values, and heritage within the curriculum. None of my teachers, staff members and students looked like me. I found myself uninterested in the school system which spiraled downward for years to follow as I completed elementary grades. Feeling isolated, not supported appropriately and having a lack of personal motivation; I found myself in continuation school by the fifth grade. Fortunately, I received a combination of direct and indirect interventions that assisted me to get on track toward a path of success. Ultimately, I turned over a new leaf. I graduated from Carson High School and attended California State Northridge (CSUN) 2009, receiving my degree in Political Science and my Master of Arts in Educational Leadership & Policy. During this period of my life, I discovered the difference between schooling and education. This distinction was key in changing my trajectory of my future for the better.
During my time at CSUN, I realized that degrees alone would not bring me the generational wealth I desired. In an effort to solve the challenges within family, community and the goals I set out to accomplish; I explored the path of entrepreneurship starting multiple businesses while completing my academics. One of those businesses was the establishment of 2wenty5eight, a clothing brand meant to inspire people of all ages to “Maximize their time and space”. The mantra is “Find the extra hour, create the extra day”.
As Jay-Z once said, “He is I and I am him”. What I do for a living and who I am must have alignment with my beliefs, values, and goals. As the Assistant director of MSI, I am passionate about working with young men of color to pour into them encouragement, empowerment and guidance that may be needed to unlock their purpose and personal success. My own personal journey encourages me to root for the perceived underdog because I was once them.
For more information about the services, we provide to our MSI community please visit our website www.csulb.edu/msi. I also can be contacted directly with any questions or ideas to better serve our MSI community on campus at Kenneth.oden@csulb.edu.
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Michael Anaya - 2nd year Political Science Major
Michael talks about his experience on balancing life as a young man at CSULB. He dives into the importance of mental health, getting support, and how he has found personal ways to have a positive outlook on life despite the ebb and flow of life.
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Doris Topsy-Elvord
This month we would like to honor the late Alumna, Doris Topsy-Elvord who made her transition on December 15, 2021. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social welfare from Cal State Long Beach in 1969. Doris Topsy-Elvord, known as “Mother Doris” for her legendary work in the community, and for being both the first Black woman to be elected to the Long Beach City Council and the first Black person to serve on the harbor commission. She was 90. Doris Topsy-Elvord, legendary Long Beach leader, dies at 90 – Press Telegram
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Local Community Business Highlight |
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(Kayla Brooks photographed with the owner, Nora Tatum) |
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In the Kitchen Soul Food - by Kayla Brooks
562.676.4106 | 900 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90813
10% discount and punch cards for 5 dollars off for seniors, vets, and college students.
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In the kitchen is a Black owned soul food restaurant located in Long Beach, California. The owner, Nora Tatum is a chef/social media marketer for this business that she created with a vision of inspiring her community. At the beginning of the pandemic, Nora started cooking in her kitchen to support her and her family financially. Having worked in dentistry prior to this, she chose to invest her time in a craft that was native to her. The familiarity and ancestral connection to soul food assisted her transition into selling food and developing a passion for entrepreneurship. Gaining popularity due to her delicious cuisine and presence within her area, she devised a plan to move forward with opening a restaurant. She values customer service, being known for her remarkable ability to make customers feel appreciated when visiting her restaurant. She is present in her interactions with guests and promotes inclusivity not only within her space, but in the world. Nora is a model of love and vigor. She is well respected, and many members of the community have stories to share about the compassionate nature that she possesses. It is her desire that In the Kitchen continues to be a representation of family, good food, and service. “I recommend the oxtails! They were absolutely amazing!” -Kayla
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Congratulations to the 14 students to be recipients of the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund. Over the next few months, you will see their faces, hear their stories and receive their gratitude. Spring 2022 Scholarship submission will be accepted beginning January 20th through March 13th. We will celebrate all of the recipients at the 2nd Annual Black Alumni Scholarship Gala on April 23, 2022. Stay tuned for more details.
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Dr. Keith Claybrook recently published a handbook "Building the Basics: A Handbook for Pursuing Academic Excellence in Africana Studies." It offers tips, suggestions, and tidbits for working and studying at home, critical thinking, critical reading, scholarly writing, working collaboratively in groups, and preparing for quizzes and exams. The handbook is culturally grounded and relevant in African and African American cultures and yet my non-Black students find the handbook extremely useful as well. In addition, the tips and strategies in the handbook are transferrable across disciplines. https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/building-basics-handbook-pursuing-academic-excellence-africana-studies
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities |
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Carpenter Center brings celebrated dance company A.I.M to perform Artistic Director Kyle Abraham’s exultant new ode to the music of Grammy Award-winning R&B legend D’Angelo. A thumping mixtape of a dance, An Untitled Love is sonically rooted in the richness of Soul and R&B music, and celebrates family, community, and love in this evening-length experience by one of today’s most in-demand choreographers.
Black Scholars Community Discount Code: BAS10. - $10 off tickets
HOTTIX - Student discount tix (enter code when purchasing. Must show student ID at the door)
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Sunday’s at 8:30 am – Long Beach @ The Bluff & Cherry Ave (Cherry & Ocean)
Need a community while reaching your fitness goals! Join Us.
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Be sure to visit Black Cultural Events for more art, film, dance, theater literary and community events and explore our Restaurant Directory. Keep BCE with you and you'll always have something fun to do!
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On average, college graduates earn more than the average individual. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers with a bachelor's degree earned an average of $468 more per week than workers with only a high school diploma - a higher salary that can add up over the course of your lifetime. A 2015 report from the U.S. Department of Education found the average worker with a bachelor's degree may earn approximately $1 million more than a worker without a postsecondary education.
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SAVE THE DATE – Saturday, April 23, 2021 (website)
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"Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable." |
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All funds raised support the mission of the Black Resource Center and Scholarships for students supporting the advocacy of our African American population on campus. |
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Please contact us if you have any upcoming events, celebrations, or stories you would like us to share with our community.
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