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CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH

BLACK SCHOLARS NEWSLETTER

August 15, 2024


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


Co-editors:

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

Alumni Highlight

Errol Cook

By Chloe Thomas

Errol Cook graduated from California State University Long Beach in 1991 with a degree in Psychology. He grew up in Baldwin Vista California and currently works as a criminal defense attorney. Errol is also a talented oil painter and owns his own gallery called Council and Canvas Art Gallery in Marina Del Ray.

When Errol reached California State University Long Beach, he enjoyed how much the school had to offer. Since he hadn’t visited the campus prior to accepting his admission, Errol was surprised by the beauty of it. He notes that his fondest memories are from hanging out on campus enjoying the natural scenery. When he first arrived at Cal State Long Beach, his goal was initially to become a therapist. With the support of his fraternity brothers, he decided to pursue law school.  

 

As a transfer and commuter student who found it difficult to meet others, Errol’s hardest challenge was getting to know people. Despite this, he had an excellent experience building his community on campus. Joining various student groups made him intentional about making friends. He joined the Black Student Union (BSU) and helped found the Black Psychology Student Club. Becoming a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. empowered him to be more involved on campus. This led to his proudest achievement as a Long Beach student: being elected as the Associate Students Senator at Large.  

 

When discussing education for Black students Errol points to mentorship as a source of success. Because of the hardships that Black students face, it is important for older Black students to mentor newer ones and help guide them through higher education. Seniors and alumni should intentionally go out of their way to embrace, welcome, mentor and give advice to younger Black students. To Errol being a Black scholar means achieving excellence against the odds, and this can be done more successfully with others supporting you. He encourages current students to be intentional about meeting new people and to join student groups and organizations that align with their interests.  

Black Excellence Experience

By Chloe Thomas and Monet Jenkins

A few years ago, Long Beach Alumni Diamond Byrd and Noah Gordon identified the need for a welcome reception specifically for incoming Black Students. They envisioned a program that would facilitate the transition from high school to college and connect incoming students to the Black community before their first class. This idea began what would eventually become the Black Excellence Experience. Earlier this month, for the first time ever, nearly 100 incoming, first-year Black students joined the campus for an overnight experience designed to help them learn more about the Black community on campus and gain a sense of belonging before their first day. 

 

The students spent 3 days and 2 nights at Cal State Long Beach, which included a program hosted by Darnell Lewis (Director of the Office of Belonging and Inclusion), Paul Carter (Assistant Director of the Black Resource Center), Demetri Kelley (Associate Director of Black Student Success), and and Dr. Keith Claybrook (Associate Professor, Africana Studies). The Black Excellence Experience included a Black resource fair; featuring numerous Black organizations, assistance programs, and Greek life, a campus tour; led by 11 current students who served as mentors throughout the program, and social events such as game night and bowling to foster a sense of community.  

 

When asked why they wanted to attend, many of the incoming students expressed a desire to make friends and seize the opportunity to be surrounded by members of the Black community. At the end of the program students were asked to reflect and share their experience and what they learned. Although many arrived with concerns about coursework and doubts about making friends, they left feeling supported, encouraged, and ready to start their journey at The Beach. 

“Remember your why. Remember your worth when trying to get your education and focus on getting to the finish line.” 


“We’re grateful that the faculty and staff ensured this experience helped us build connections and feel comfortable.”

“We all share similar values and mindsets; getting our education, so we need to stick together while doing so.” 



“Our staff and faculty have been a source of motivation, encouraging us to share advice and uplift each other throughout this academic journey.”  

Words from a few of the Student Mentors 

Seeing these young adults come into each event and workshop and be their authentic selves was the best part of being a mentor. I got to watch them interact with one another and unapologetically be themselves, showing off their personalities and celebrating each other for their differences. Their energy and high spirits brought life back to the campus and me as a 4th year student.

~ Cherise Jackson 

 

One of my favorite moments was watching the more introverted and shy attendees be welcomed into friend groups that encouraged them. Students pushed together dinner tables to form long banquets and eat together. They sang and danced in the USU ballroom showing off their newfound bonds. 

~ Chloe Thomas 

 

The most rewarding part of the experience was the reflection during closing. Many of the students stood up on stage and shared their perspectives on the experience and thanked us for showing up to support them. It was great to see the quieter students pick up a mic to share, and it made me feel like the work we did made a difference.

~ Monet Jenkins 

Staff Highlight

Susan Jacobs

By Monet Jenkins

Meet Susan Jacobs, the Director of Content Development for Strategic Communications at Cal State University Long Beach. She was raised in Rochester, New York but has called Long Beach her home since 1994. In 1985, she received her Bachelors in Communications from Hampton University, located in Hampton Virginia. She shares that one of her core memories as a child, was meeting Muhammad Ali at the Chicago O’Hare Airport. 

Prior to working for CSULB, she held a part-time adjunct teaching position at Cal State University Dominguez Hills. This role deepened her involvement with the campus community and inspired her to pursue further education in the next chapter of her life. Her professional journey has been rooted in journalism, where she excelled as a reporter, and served as a copy, city, news, medical/science, and features editor. Her career path consisted of her being resourceful, seeking advice from mentors, doing independent research, and securing internships - all of which pushed her to step out of her comfort zone and develop professional skills needed to advance her career. When a Strategic Communications position opened at CSULB, she knew it was her time to leave the newsroom. Additionally, it was the welcoming community in Long Beach that urged her to continue being active in this community.  


Since taking on the role, she's admired the dedication students show toward their education. Students do not take their education for granted, but rather get the most out of their campus experience through their active involvement. One of her biggest highlights has been working alongside the undergraduate sorority sisters in the Lambda Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. As their campus advisor, she takes pride in supporting their campus leadership journey and celebrating the significant contributions they have made to the community.  


To Susan, a Black Scholar is one who "embraces and takes pride in their beautifully melanated self with intention and purpose". She encourages students to keep pushing themselves, growing, and taking on new challenges. “Embrace your authentic self and don’t dim your light for anybody!” Susan also recommends that students connect with Paul Carter, the Assistant Director of the Black Resource Center, to fully utilize the resources the Black Resource Center offers. She encourages students to find their community among the diverse Black organizations on campus and reminds them that Black Faculty and Staff (BFAS) are always here to support them throughout their academic journey. Thank you, Susan Jacobs, for your persistent dedication and hard work. Your contributions have made a lasting impact on our community. 

News Highlights

Long Beach State coach LaTanya Sheffield readies to lead Team USA in Track & Field

Long Beach State’s head track and field, LaTanya Sheffield, has been selected as head coach for the U.S. Women’s Track and Field team. Read the full article here.

Max Irving is Long Beach’s Trailblazing Water Polo Olympian

Long Beach native and Wilson High alum, Max Irving serves as a leading figure in Team USA's Mens Water Polo Read the full article 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!

Federal Work Study Opportunitie

Work up to 20 hours per week as a student assistant for the Black Scholars Program or CSULB Village Program! We look forward to providing Federal Work Study opportunities to students that are seeking experience from administrative and academic programs on campus. If interested, email your resume to Tracy Kelly, Administrative Analyst, at Tracy.Kelly@csulb.edu.

Black Community Health, Strength and Needs Assesment

The Long Beach Health and Human Services Department is conducting a survey to better understand the health, strength, and needs of the Black Community and to promote local resources to ensure equity and well being.

Take the Survey Here!

Deadline: Thursday, August 15, 2024

George Duke's Commissioning Prize

Each year, the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra (SJO) presents a commissioning competition for individuals who compose symphonic jazz. SJO's Music Advisory Board determines the winner, who is then commissioned to write a new orchestral score. This newly commissioned work is premiered by the 68-piece Symphonic Jazz Orchestra in concert and is entered into the organization’s catalog of symphonic jazz commissions.


For submission details please visit their website

CED Black Grad Meet and Greet

Whether you are an incoming Black graduate, present Black grad, or recent Black grad alum, you're invited to the Fall '24 Meet & Greet 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, on the College of Education Clinic Patio. To enjoy some free appetizers as you connect with others, please RSVP on Events and Orgs. 

Date: Friday, August 23, 2024

Time: 5:30 PM

Location: College of Education Clinic Patio

Date: Saturday, August 24, 2024

Start Time: 1 PM

Location: Huntington Beach Tower 17

BSU Black Beach Day

Black Student Union wants to welcome students back to school with their Black Summer Experience Beach Day! Come out and play some games, listen to music, and connect with our Black community before school starts! Follow BSU on instagram @csulb.bsu to keep up with their events.


RSVP Here!

Scholarship Applications Open

The Black Alumni Scholarship is coming back! Applications will open August 26th and will close in October. Make sure to join the Black Resource Center here before submitting your application.

Applications Open: Monday, August 26, 2024

Deadline: Saturday, August 31, 2024

Youth Advisory Council

The YAC amplifies youth voices within the City of Long Beach government and shapes the City’s annual Youth Summit. Applications to join the council are open until August 31 and can be found at bit.ly/lbyouthcouncil2024. For more information please contact: youth@longbeach.gov 

 

Apply Today!

Week of Welcome

Beach Pride Events (BPE) is proud to present Week of Welcome (WoW) at Long Beach State University (LBSU)! Every semester, WoW helps students make connections, join clubs and organizations, learn about university resources and so much more. All students are invited to attend. Current clubs and organizations be sure to register here to participate

Date: Wednesday & Thursday, September 4 & 5, 2024 

Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

Location: Speaker’s Platform and Central Quad

Applications Open: Friday August 23, 2024

Applications Close: Monday September 9, 2024

President and Provost Leadership Fellows Program

Leadership Fellows is a two-year, cohort-based program that offers mid-career CSULB faculty and staff opportunities to enhance leadership skills and self-awareness for effectively leading diverse groups. Eligible applicants include faculty members at the Associate or Full Professor level or Administrator MPP (Level I-III). 



Interested individuals are invited to attend an information session on August 28, 2024, at noon in the President's Conference Room (Brotman Hall, Suite 302). See here for more information 

An Evening with Charles Blow

New York Times bestselling author and Op-Ed columnist Charles Blow shares his perspective on today’s social and political issues, tackling topics from democracy and American Theocracy to cultural gatekeeping, country music, and Beyoncé—all with depth, nuance, and tremendous insight. A moderated Q&A follows this evening’s talk. Tickets can be bought here for $60.



Use the promo Code BAS10 for $10 off up to 2 tickets at this event. 

Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024

Time: 8:00 PM 

Location: Carpenter Performing Arts Center

Upcoming Study Abroad

Check out short study abroad and service-learning trips to different parts of Africa, Caribbean and central America. Additional opportunities are open to interested CSULB students and faculty. Upcoming: 10-day trip to Kenya scheduled for early January 2025 (during winter break).

Click here for information about the program

For any questions or further information please contact Professor Edwin Achola

edwin.achola@csulb.edu


Artistic Entry

I Talk Black- Lady Brion

students@csulb.edu | 562.985.5587
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