CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
BLACK SCHOLARS NEWSLETTER
April 22, 2024
The Black Scholars Newsletter exists to share dynamic, informative and empowering stories that uplift, encourage, and inspire our community.
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Co-editors:
Monet Jenkins
Chloe Thomas
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To get more announcements, and stay up to date with community events and opportunities, follow us on Instagram @csulbblackscholars
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Hello Black Scholars Community,
I apologize for an error in the previous newsletter for March 2024. The headshot included in our business highlight was inaccurate, but the correct photo has been included and updated on our website. To view the updated newsletter please visit the Black Scholars website at https://www.csulb.edu/student-affairs/black-scholars or click here.
Thank you,
Chloe Thomas
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By Chloe Thomas & Monet Jenkins
Though I haven’t been editor for the Black Scholars Newsletter for very long, I have learned a lot about myself, the school and the community. This community has so much to offer its members. The love and genuine care I have received and witnessed from those that are involved is beyond words. There is a deeply rooted sense of interconnectedness and shared responsibility that is familial. I am thankful for the chance to continue developing friendships and strong connections with fellow community members, alumni and activists. More than anything I am excited to be able to share that opportunity with someone else.
I am pleased to introduce Monet Jenkins, our new Co-editor for the Black Scholars Newsletter. Monet is a second-year marketing major pursuing a future career in Public Relations. Outside of her time as a student, she volunteers with various student led organizations and is a sister of the Lambda Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Monet has a wonderful passion for people, in everything she does she works to connect, motivate and inspire those around her. She has led initiatives to bring resource awareness to members of the Black Scholars community. I am positive that within this position she will continue to use her connections to educate and uplift the Long Beach community.
To Monet,
I am incredibly blessed to work with you and look forward to the many laughs, struggles and accomplishments ahead of us. Thank you for joining the team and being a reliable shoulder to lean on.
Always,
Chloe
To the Black Scholars Community,
I am looking forward to meeting and connecting with Long Beach Alumni and hearing their stories, especially regarding their community involvement during their time in school. The most valuable service is the advice shared, and I am excited to gather and send that wisdom back to my peers and current students. Lastly, I will be looking to all of you to help me increase awareness of the Black Scholars community, as it is my goal to expand the community and those it services.
Best Wishes,
Monet
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By Monet Jenkins
Meet Somone Washington, a Software Analyst for the Office of Faculty Affairs at Cal State University Long Beach. She was raised in Miami Florida, where she graduated from Florida International University with a focus on Management Information Systems. This is where she found interest in teaching people how to use software, which led her to get her master's in Information Technology. Within the past ten years of her relocating to California, Somone received her second master's degree in Educational Technology and Media Leadership in December of 2022. Somone emphasizes how much she loves being in the classroom environment as both a student and an instructor. Outside of school, Somone reflected on her recovery from a kidney transplant at the age of 24. To learn more about Somone’s recovery and story check out her article from Beach Voices.
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Before working at CSULB, Somone was adjusting to work in a new city and adapting to her job climate. She worked within a learning academy at the YWCA, allowing students to come to learn about the process of digital printing. She took this as a chance to come on to CSULB’s campus and further adjust on her journey to being in California. Her first position held on campus was within the CAPS Office as an Assistant to the Director. She then moved onto the College of Education and became an Executive Assistant to the Dean and Associate Dean. Specifically, while holding this position, she learned more about the different programs being offered to students and developed more connections with faculty within this department. Since joining the campus, interacting with students and faculty has become her favorite part about working for CSULB.
When Somone was in high school, she received advice from a teacher stating; “you don’t have to know everything, you just have to be resourceful to know where to find the answers.” By following this advice Somone took advantage of resources available in any new space she entered. This included going to the library, exploring websites, and finding knowledgeable people she could count on. Being resourceful means getting to know your peers and being open-minded about where you find your answers from those resources. She encourages students to take advantage of as many resources possible while in school. Specifically on campus, she reminds students that the tuition we pay includes utilizing the resources provided. Make it a priority to take advantage of resources that other students have used to further excel in your education. Her number one piece of advice to students is to know that everyone here is working for you. Students should not feel intimidated to ask for help or ask questions in class. All of which benefit students in the long run. Reassure one another that we have the authority to request whatever resources we need to be successful.
To Somone, being a Black Scholar means bringing your culture wherever you go, which impacts the way you learn and receive your environment. Black students have a unique living experience, which enables our peers to learn from us as we learn from them. Every space that Black people step into, has value. We have value because of the experiences we have overcome together. Thank you, Somone Washington, for continuing to be a leader and voice for the faculty and students of CSULB!
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By Chloe Thomas
Women’s History Month has been an annual celebration of the contributions of Women in American society since 1987. But even before this we celebrated women’s history week from 1980 until then. This past month was filled with social events, panels, lunches, and conferences all designed to honor and uplift women. Affirming their place in society and the value they contribute daily. I personally was able to enjoy several events that took place on Campus. Two that stood out to me were the Women’s History Month Kickoff and the Real Talk: Women in Business panel.
The Women’s History Month Kickoff was a major event held in the USU ballrooms. People from varying backgrounds came to support women as we embarked on their month-long celebration. This event was organized with the intent of putting smiles on the faces of all who attended. This has been a long-standing event at Cal State Long Beach and has generally been a celebration of women empowerment and serves to honor the historic accomplishments of women. This year there were performances from the Long Beach Honey’s, a live DJ, and creative activities such as quilting and mirror making. It was wonderful to be able to see people enjoy this event and fill the ballrooms with lighthearted conversation, laughter and joy.
In Real Talk: Women in Business, I and many other attendants were able to receive valuable insights and advice from successful businesswomen. They narrated the challenges they faced being a woman in their respective fields, answered questions from the audience and offered actionable steps to mentor those that come after them. One of the take aways I gained was in regard to self-care and balancing it with a busy work schedule. For many women, when work becomes overwhelming self-care goes out the window and the first thing to be left behind is rest. Women tend to feel that they have a higher threshold to prove themselves in the workforce and will cut into their personal needs to do so. The panelist reminded us that you can’t pour from an empty cup, and self-care – especially sleep and exercise – serves as an energy multiplier. It is easier to give your best to work, school, family etc., when your needs have been met. It’s important to recognize the need for self-care and to address it daily.
Just as with Black History Month, Women’s history and accomplishments are year-round, never be afraid to celebrate, honor, or embrace the power you have as a woman. For women, and every member of the Black Scholars community, celebrate your wins, big or small. Give yourself the time and grace to address your needs before catering to those around you and know that it is not selfish, it’s self-care.
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Gala Honoree - Community Change Agent |
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Watch this interview to meet our 2024 Community Change Agents, David and Sharon McLucas. Mr. and Mrs. McLucas own Forgotten Images, a traveling museum dedicated to educating others on Black history. This collection of over 20,000 artifacts tells so many stories that provide knowledge, awareness and responsibility to those that experience the exhibits. The couple will share about their time at Long Beach State and their experiences with starting the museum.
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Scroll Down to read the summary
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David grew up in the small town of Oxnard, California and went to Ventura Junior college before attending Long Beach State. During his time here at Long Beach, David was an athletic star in both basketball and track. He reflects on this experience noting that his success was unexpected, despite being a hall of famer at Ventura Junior College, when he transferred, he was playing with “stars” talent from all over the country. Eventually you found himself leading the basketball league in rebounds, and being featured on the track program, the combination of these successes elevated him and made for a wonderful experience. Meanwhile, his future wife, Sharon McLucas was the first Black cheerleader at Long Beach State. Though this was a challenge at first, in the end it was a very rewarding experience for her, which she treasures to this day.
Mrs. McLucas accredits her strength of character and passion for community service to her mother Autrilla Scott who is the only African American woman to have a street named after her in the city of Long Beach. Her mother was a community activist, and as a young girl Sharon tagged along to every community service event and meeting. David McLucas notes that he realized the importance of community right away. Coming from a small town before Long Beach he recognized that the school had a very small Black population, but everyone knew each other and was involved. The community was more a village in this sense.
The couple share a traveling museum called Forgotten Images, the series of exhibits collectively showcase African and African American history and culture. They exist to spread awareness and garner a sense of shared responsibility for this knowledge between those that experience it. What began this collection was a trip to a local flea market during which David found an unusual item; a cast iron bank from the 1800s. He wanted to investigate more items and collectibles and as he did the couple came to collect the first in what would grow to be 20,00 pieces of African American artifacts. When they first organized the museum people would drop items off on their front porch. Many of which were family heirlooms in white families that were donated to encourage the work they were doing.
David refers to himself as the main storyteller of these exhibits, sharing that part of being a community leader for him is the responsibility to present these stories. He reflects on the times he’s presented for youth in high school, how as they enter the museum, they tend to have a joking, naive mindset about the images they’re seeing. By the time the kids leave they have changed attitudes, many of them shake David’s hand and thank him for their newfound understanding.
Sharon McLucas expresses that it important for us to continue sharing our knowledge and culture, that what elevates our people is passing down the baton to the next generation. She defines Black excellence as climbing as high as we can and bringing others with us. David believes Black excellence exists within an individual's ability to take advantage of their talents and use them to push forward to success. Lastly the couple thanks Long Beach and the Black Scholars program for recognizing their contributions and giving them a chance to tell their story.
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Black Owned Business Highlight |
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Jocelyn Howard of Howard Coaching and Consulting
By Imani Moses
I am excited to introduce you to Jocelyn Howard. Jocelyn is the business owner of Howard Coaching and Consulting, is a California State University Long Beach graduate who pursued her degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology, and was born in Inglewood California and raised in Riverside. She followed the footsteps of both of her parents who attend CSULB and decided to plant herself in Long Beach from the time she became a student. After working in her field of Criminal Justice, she realized she did not want to go into enforcement so, she created a path to work in rehabilitation and preventative measures. She knew early on that since her father, David Howard had his own business, she wanted to do the same and possibly open a group home. Her journey has led her to work in Career Counseling, Business Coaching and Consulting. Fun fact she loves Kayaking.
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Her business focuses on providing career counseling for students to make sure their academic plans align with their careers. Because of her experience being a first-generation student and going through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), she knows the importance this has on students. She also focuses on providing support and guidance to young entrepreneurs to help them start their businesses and navigate them through what it means to be an entrepreneur. Strategic planning, grant writing, consultations, and rebranding all help make the business operational.The supported employment piece allows her to work with adults with disabilities and make sure the individual is supported in the workplace. She ensures that they get work and get the skills they need through internships and other paths. Once they find their job, the employer is supported and there can be a smooth and mutually beneficial relationship that allows for the individual to maintain their employment.
She was inspired to create her business after transitioning out of college and joining the workforce. She asked herself self-reflecting questions regarding work satisfaction, work environment, work compensation, work purpose and if it aligned with her personal purpose, values, and morals. During this self- reflecting process, she was reminded by her father, “You can always come home.” That stuck with her through her prior years when she created this niche to help people who were going through their own paths in life and turned that into a business. Her main goal when opening her business before the pandemic was to create a space for people of color. She saw that there was a hidden entity, systemic racism, that was keeping people behind, and she felt the need to create a program that strategically addressed those issues.
Some challenges she faced starting and managing her business was as she was trying to get other people to believe her as a business owner and that she can do this, she had to practice what she preached and learn to believe in herself and her services. Some difficulty she faced being a black woman, was her experience of anxiety and depression, she became a model of the people she served. She would like to see her business grow in the future by expanding to have a team of coaches, program expansion, being able to expand support to other businesses and create synergy with other businesses and figure out a way for other Long Beach groups to collaborate. The biggest accomplishment she sees her business achieving is to be able to continue the legacy that her father put together.
Being a Black Scholar to Jocelyn means to be coachable, wanting to seek more knowledge, and being open to different perspectives. Some advice that she received from her former professor at CSULB was, “Never assimilate, integrate.” Some advice she would like to share with current students is to be open to exploring what life offers and know that college offers the capacity for students to study multiple
subjects. “You can try new things and don’t have to stick with one thing for the rest of your life.”
Phone number: (562) 578- 5181
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For anyone who is need of mental health resources, please reach out to the resources at CSULB and in the Long Beach community.
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Watch this Interview to meet Tracey Alcala, a CSULB Alumna who graduated in 2009 with a Bachelors in Communicative Disorders, Speech-Language Pathology. Listen to her describe her experience embracing the diversity of Cal State Long Beach and what it means to be a Black scholar.
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Scroll down to read the summary
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Tracey Alcala is a CSULB Alumna who graduated in 2009 with a Bachelors in Communicative Disorders, Speech-Language Pathology. She currently works for NIKE as the Director of Human Relations. Tracey began her higher education journey at El Camino College before transferring to California State University Long Beach. When deciding where to go after her time in community college, she made the decision to come to Long Beach based on several factors. The campus was close to family, had both programs she was interested in at the time, and to seal the deal, she was greeted by a welcoming student body.
As a student, she faced two main struggles: the first was planning out her academics and the second, acclimating to the culture of Long Beach. Coming from community college where students were told what classes to take, having to arrange her classes to ensure she fulfilled each requirement while being present many course options challenged her. Socially she was working to adjust to the diversity found on campus. While there was some diversity where she was growing up in Torrance, the magnitude of different cultures found in Long Beach was drastic in comparison. She embraced her ability to learn about the different cultures she found on campus by attending events held in the courtyard. This eventually became a highlight of her time here. To Tracey, being a Black scholar means “Being able to have a seat at a table that our ancestors didn’t have.” This does not have to include getting a PhD, but it does involve equipping oneself with knowledge and being able to help create moments and achievements for future Black history.
She welcomes students to reach out to her and stay in contact via email or LinkedIn.
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Yael Shalom Alexander-Moore |
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Meet Yael Shalom Alexander-Moore, a third year at Cal State University Long Beach majoring in Teaching English to Students of Other Languages (TESOL), with an attempted minor in Linguistics. After graduation, she plans on studying abroad to obtain her masters in Linguistics and work in different countries to see how kids acquire different languages. Her long-term goal is to come back the United States and pursue her dream of acting within the Performing Arts Industry. On campus she plays the cello for Beach Orchestra, a major and non-major orchestra. Off campus, she practices hurdling with her father’s track team to set personal goals for herself. |
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Since her freshman year, the Black/Pans-African diaspora at CSULB has grown tremendously within the past few years. In her first year she described the Black Student Union was small, and students did not have access to the Black Resource Center without a code. Coming out of the pandemic meant that it was harder to create genuine connections with one another, but the efforts made by organizations to grow the black community were still present. Today, she mentions a variety of black organizations on campus have come back in full force to re-engage black students on campus. Yael points out that events she is most fond of attending are those that highlight black culture and excellence, such as skating and movie nights.
Some of the organizations and programs that Yael is involved in on campus include being the Secretary for the Long Beach Honeys dance team and the Spatial Coordinator for the Black Resource Center (BRC). As the Secretary for Long Beach Honeys, she created a system where people can enjoy each other's presence and remind everyone to stay in good spirits. As the Spatial Coordinator for the BRC, she oversees this center's outreach program, ensuring that students utilize available resources. She also oversees the Black Resource Beautification Project, which involves creating a safer and inclusive space on campus for Black students to feel comfortable. Paul Carter, the Assistant Director for the BRC, is someone she perceives as her biggest motivator. Despite being her boss, she describes Paul Carter as a great a black role model in our community that is succeeding and encouraging students to do the same.
Her proudest achievement as a Long Beach student has been getting off academic probation. Her first two years of college were the hardest and affected her education and mental health. Once she realized that her grades did not define her as a person, she was motivated to improve which resulted in an astounding change in her school and work ethic. As a Black Scholar, she reminds students to stay true to yourself and embody black excellence at any stage. To Yael, being a Black Scholar means empowering and uplifting others, but while not forgetting to do the same for themselves. Black Scholars are mindful of their personal health, while demonstrating a balance between personal and school schedules. Thank you, Yael Alexander-Moore, for continuing to be an advocate and role model for Black students at CSULB.
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Meet Samyiah Bryant-Taylor, a second year Psychology major at Cal State University Long Beach. In her spare time Samyiah enjoys crocheting, working out, participating in discussions/forums, and utilizing Canva (a graphic design editing app). After graduation, she plans on using her degree to be a therapist and a part-time lecturer for a local community college. The overall look of the campus, specifically the nature, made Samyiah commit to Long Beach State. Even though the college is close to home, it was the change of scenery that she felt was needed for her transition into her adulthood. |
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During her freshman year, Samyiah found a community on campus through the Black Pan African Scholars Housing Building, Sisterfriends, and the Black Campus Ministry (BCM) organization. By attending events from these three communities, she was able to establish connections with a variety of different people within the black community at CSULB. Specifically, within Sisterfriends she connected with a staff member that she considers a role model and motivator. Dr Shelly Collins is one of the staff advisors for Sisterfriends, and is also one of the black female therapists in the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Samyiah explains how interacting with Dr. Shelly and seeing her capacity as a therapist, has demonstrated that black individuals can hold high professional positions, and not lose their personality along the way.
Some changes she would like to see being made on campus are rebuilding the disconnection between the black community and their future. Samyiah believes the campus does a great job at helping the black community find their identity, but the campus needs to offer more resources for students of color to help assist them in their careers following graduation. She encourages this change to take place through her involvement in student organizations. Some of these organizations include BCM, Sisterfriends, the Lambda Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Sorority Incorporated, and Project Ocean. As a member of BCM, she attends weekly bible study sessions and enjoys their beach events. For Sisterfriends, she manages the social media account and helps with outreach for the organization. As the Membership Chairman for Lambda Alpha, she enjoys spreading information about the history and accomplishments of the sorority. Lastly, as the Peer Educator and Volunteer Program Coordinator for Project Ocean, she leads suicide prevention training and expresses her creativity within mental health.
To Samyiah, a Black Scholar is one that is determined to be a role model for following generations that did not have an example growing up. Getting your education should be a priority, but reminding yourself of your purpose and why you are getting your education helps students progress into their future. She encourages Black Scholars to stand on business for not only yourself, but for the community as well. Thank you, Samyiah Bryant-Taylor, for being a great example of a thriving CSULB Black Scholars with a commitment to serve the Black community both on and off campus!
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Bridge to Black Excellence |
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Our 2024 Alumni of the Year, James Breedlove, and the Bridge Builders Foundation brought over 300 students to the beach this past month. High schoolers from Lakewood, LB Jordan, LB Wilson, King Drew, Foshay, Dorsey, and Washington joined in a Black excellence at the Beach tour. Volunteers from the campus and community gathered to offer insights into what life at Long Beach state is like. The students were able to see the campus, engage with current students and alumni and receive a general welcome from those representing CSULB. |
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This event was designed to welcome prospective students to Long Beach and encourage students in the community to apply to colleges. Encouraging students, especially Black and Pan-African students to pursue higher education is so important to the future of our society. These future leaders, CEOs, Professors, and community activists spent an entire day touring Long beach state and being poured into by current community members.
Representation is so important to students of color and being welcomed by staff, collegiates, and volunteers that resembled them made a huge impact. We were able to build a bridge and establish familial connections between these prospective students and those in the Cal State Long Beach community. Together we emulated, demonstrated, role modeled and stimulated Black excellence. Big shout out to the Bridge Builders Foundation, and all our CSULB volunteers for bringing the community together through this event. It was empowering for everyone involved and I can’t wait to see the outcome.
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Black Alumni Scholarship Gala |
Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities for the Black Alumni Scholarship Gala are available! Use the link below to purchase your tickets and we’ll see you at the Gala on May 5th. Doors open at 4 PM and the program starts promptly at 5:30 PM
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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.
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Come and join us for FREE laundry and resources. Project X LB is leading a nonprofit initiative “Loads of Kindness” providing free laundry services to 1000 families to members of the community and families within LBUSD. |
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Associated Students (ASI) has a weekly farmers market on campus. The market offers fresh and natural food items, as well as drinks and crafts from independent vendors and farmers. The market aims to help students make healthy food choices while supporting local businesses and farmers. The event is open to the entire Long Beach State University (LBSU) community, including surrounding neighbors. Bring your reusable shopping bag and purchase fresh fruits and vegetables or buy lunch with our vendors. |
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Date: Tuesdays - April 23rd, 30th
Time: 10 AM
Location: Friendship Walk - CSULB
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Date: Wednesdays – April 24th & May 1st
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location: USU 306
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Buddies Connect at the Beach |
A space to connect with other students, find community, and engage in activities to de-stress. Our space is facilitated by our Beach Buddy peer educators, each week we connect on a different topic, and engage in mental health activities. You are welcome to bring your lunch!
Hosted by Project Ocean and Beach Buddies through CAPS
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The Piano Showcase features outstanding Bob Cole Conservatory pianists in solo performances of mostly classics by the great composers from the eighteenth century to the present. |
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Date: Saturday, April 20th, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Daniel Recital Hall
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Date: Saturday, April 20th, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Los Altos United Methodist Church
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Chamber Choir presents: Music of the Spirit |
The CSULB University Choir and the Bob Cole Chamber Choir will present an evening of music from various spiritual and religious traditions in a candle-lit concert at Los Alamitos United Methodist Church. Featured prominently will be Los Angeles-based composer, Dr. Zanaida Robles, whose music has been programmed far and wide. Robles received her BM in voice performance from CSULB and has a wonderful career as a guest conductor, soprano soloist, and composer. |
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We are excited to announce Melanin Brunch is happening next Friday April 26th from 11am - 1pm on the Parkside North Terrace. If you would like to attend make sure you RSVP to save a plate and a seat!
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Date: Friday, April 26th, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Daniel Recital Hall
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A collaborative concert presented by select students from the Piano Accompanying, Piano Ensemble, and the Piano Chamber Music classes. This varied concert features classic repertoire from classical to modern eras. |
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This event aims to promote self-love and self-care, especially during high-stress periods like finals week. We're inviting campus partners and we'll be providing students with food, finals kits, and de-stressing activities. |
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Date: Thrusday, May 2nd, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Speaker's Platform
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Date: Friday, May 3rd, 2024
Time: 1:30pm
Location: Student Wellness and Recreation Center (SWRC)
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Black Leadership Council Field Day |
Join us for Field Day on May 3rd! Compete with your friends in a variety of sports held in the SWRC, or show up to cheer them on. Then end the day with a celebration at the pool. Food will be available for attendants.
Hosted by the Black Leadership Council (BLC)
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It's official: The Black Ambition Prize competition is back for its fourth year, working to close the opportunity and wealth gap. Founded by Pharrell, this groundbreaking opportunity will provide $3 million dollars in funding and resources to Black & Hispanic entrepreneurs. Plus, recipients receive the chance to be mentored by top industry leaders - what more could you ask for?
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Application Closes: Monday, May 6th, 2024
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Date: Friday, May 17th, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Walter Pyramid
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37th Annual Black/Pan-African Graduation Celebration |
Black Grad is a celebration of Black graduates, that highlights Black entertainment, speakers, music, and joy. Black Grad is separate from Commencement, though you can participate in both commencement and Black Grad. Registration will open on March 18th and students can register on the Cultural Graduations Website. The deadline to register will be on April 19. We hope to see you all there!
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