CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
BLACK SCHOLAR'S NEWSLETTER
December 4, 2023
The Black Scholars Newsletter exists to share dynamic, informative and empowering knowledge that uplifts, encourages, and inspires our community.
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Co-Editors:
Chloe Thomas and Kayla Brooks
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By Kayla Brooks
“I am ready to the start the day. I choose to start today with a grateful heart.”
Do you begin the day with affirmations? Well, this may be a good time to start. It is proven that stating affirmations in the morning before working on tasks can positively influence the course of your day. An article from Psychology Today states that a study titled "Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience" was conducted to observe brain functioning during self-affirmation tasks. It was found that affirmations encourage our brain’s prefrontal cortex to become more active which makes it easier for this function of the brain to generate our working memory, self-perception, decision-making, etc. This study declares the fact that affirmations are effective based on scientific research.
Affirmations can also assist you with manifesting the life you desire. It goes beyond simply choosing the day that you would like to have. The power of words and affirmation can determine the life that you will create for yourself. Choosing to speak positively to yourself each day can help you establish goals and most importantly, reach them. Specific to the Black community, it is important that we engage in affirmations to improve our lives and the members of our community. In an article titled, “10 Affirmations for Black People to Level Up Your Mental Health” written by Licensed Social Worker Oludara Adeeyo, she states that affirmations are a tool that Black people use to cope with racism and dehumanization. Living in a society that can be dismissive of us and seeks to cause destruction is overwhelming. We must come together as a collective to express love and light to one another. We must be devoted to doing this work for the advancement of our tribe and ourselves.
The affirmations that we have passed down to each generation have given us the strength to combat injustice. They are the words and spirits of our ancestors that flow through us to change the things that we cannot accept. From Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman” to James Baldwin’s “I Am Not Your Negro” we have been equipped with the wisdom and knowledge to know that we are powerful and have the ability to keep striving forward. In a world that tries its hardest to break us down and tell us who we are, these affirmations are a form of resistance.
Please check out the affirmation video that we have included in this article, uploaded by creator NWAFFIRMATIONS as well as her website: NWAFFIRMATIONS
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Candi Marsh
Watch this Interview to meet Candi Marsh, a CSULB Alumna who graduated with a master's in student development counseling. Listen to her describe her work with the Guardian Scholars and the importance of finding community on campus.
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Scroll down to read the summary
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Candi Marsh is a CSULB alumna who graduated in 2003 with her bachelor's in child development family studies, followed by a master's in student development counseling. Currently Candi works as the Associate director of Guardian scholars at Cal State Long Beach. This program works in support of current or former foster youth students admitted to Long Beach. Providing them with food, academic counseling, housing and any other services they may need during their time in school. Originally Candi wanted to attend an HBCU, while she was applying recruiters from Long Beach visited her school and admitted her on the spot. Candi reflects that she is glad to have ended up at Cal State Long Beach because it shaped who she became as a person and the work that she does.
As a product of not only the Los Angeles Unified School District but the foster care system as well, she resonates with the students she helps and is happy to give back. Her fondest memory as a student at Long Beach was her time at Black Grad. She had a great time celebrating graduating not only with her community but some of her closest friends. Candi encourages students to focus on finding their community. She notes that Long Beach can be a very big campus but finding “a community where you feel seen, heard, and valued” can make the campus feel smaller. Finding community and a place where you belong can help make Long Beach a great place to be.
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Watch the video below to hear student testimonies of how the Guardian Scholars program has impacted their lives. |
The CSU system provides many services to support students who have been in foster care at any point in their life. On the Long Beach campus this is the Guardian Scholars Program. This program helps ease the transition from high school into college and ensures that the participants are ready to succeed. Guardian Scholars was founded to promote the success of current and former foster youth students that are admitted to Long Beach. Their mission includes providing services, support, and a place of solitude to students as well as advocating to ensure that every guardian scholar is equipped with all the necessary tools and resources needed to thrive at the Beach. Students have received grants, scholarships, mentors, and many more services that aided their path towards academic success. One recipient of this year's Black Alumni Scholarship was sent the application from Guardian Scholars. He was provided with funds for schooling, and more than that, a networking program to lean on and encourage him in his studies.
Students have benefited immensely from this program, and grown with it, developing life skills that will stick with them beyond their time at CSULB. Learning how to ask for help when needed. Gaining confidence in who they are. Growing in their ability to make connections and find community with others. These are a few examples of the ways Guardian Scholars has made a lasting impact on the lives of students. Thank you to Guardian Scholars and everyone working with them for their continued support of Long Beach students. We’d like to encourage them to keep helping students realize their potential and see themselves in spaces that are greater than what they could have imagined.
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Building Black Excellence |
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This past summer, the CSU system released a report outlining their call to action for improving the enrollment, retention, and academic success of Black students on their campuses. The report includes listening sessions engaging with Black students, faculty and staff to better understand their needs. It also includes 13 recommendations for how CSUs can grow in supporting the success of Black students. These recommendations range from creating welcoming spaces such as the Black Resource Center to creating structures for systemwide accountability. Where does that leave us?
Some of The Beach’s programs geared toward Black excellence have been around for a few years. Included in some of these are affirming spaces such as the Black Pan-African Scholars House; a residential building for people who are part of or support the Black community on campus. As well as the Black Resource Center, a room that provides a space to hangout, study, and meet with other students. CSULB also has pre-existing support groups such as Sister Friends, Black Student Union (BSU) and Black Table Talk, which are all dedicated to providing opportunities to talk about current events and the Black experience.
New initiatives are being made to help increase the enrollment and retention of Black students interested in coming to Long Beach. Two of these initiatives are a campus tour as well as an overnight experience for Black students. Both experiences are designed to engage prospective and admitted Black students and help them envision their lives on campus prior to starting school. To help students build a sense of belonging on campus by learning about the campus and meeting other students that will become their community during their time at Long Beach. The building of these Black Excellence experiences has been centered around conversations that have not only included but given front seats to Black students, faculty, and staff to voice their opinions and ideals.
Seeing one generation of students plan experiences for the next in a way that will help them build connection with, and confidence in the leadership of this campus has been a beautiful process. It allows us to believe in the future of these events and trust that they are being built with the best interests of those they are designed to serve. Involving the current Black community in how these events will be structured, and taking advantage of the opportunity to contribute to plans that will affect the future of our community on campus, is one of the highest forms of Black Excellence.
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Doris Robinson
By Kayla Brooks
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Over Fall break I had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Doris Robinson, CSULB Alum and the Executive Director of the Long Beach Math Collaborative about her time in Washington. While visiting her son, Jason Cooper Robinson, a graduate of Long Beach schools, she attended a conference held at he and his wife’s home in Seattle, Washington. First lady Jill Biden was the guest of honor, and her daughter in law introduced them. They spoke of educational development, community, and philanthropy. As they conversated she informed her about the Math Collaborative. She expanded on the success of its programming, providing details about their objective to ensure that students have support during their high school journey and feel adequately prepared for college. Elated, Mrs. Biden expressed her gratitude for Mrs. Robinson’s contribution to the advancement of scholars in her community and offered support to the organization. After their talk, Mrs. Robinson gave Mrs. Biden Long Beach Math Collaborative merchandise to enjoy and share with others in DC. Mrs. Robinson left that day having developed a new bond with an individual committed to improving the lives of others.
Mrs. Robinson also spent time in D.C. attending the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop after being invited by representatives of the White House. This event was hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris and was a celebration of Black people’s contribution to the entertainment industry. She also visited the National Museum of American Art where she was enthralled by the history of African Americans and expressed that it was so large that the exhibits must be revisited. Overall, it was an honor to speak with Mrs. Robinson. She is a model of community.
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Black Alumni Scholarship Gala |
Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities for the Black Alumni Scholarship Gala are now available! Use the link below to purchase your tickets and we’ll see you at the Gala on May 5th.
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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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A support group for Black women that meets weekly to help improve community and connection. Sister friends is dedicated to uplifting its members by helping them grow and excel. Join one of the meetings to be included in this supportive network.
Follow @csulbsisterfriends49 on Instagram for more updates.
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Date; Every Thursday
Time; 1-2:30 p.m.
Location; USU 204
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Location; 2211A Palo Verde Ave
Hours; Everyday, 11am - 8pm
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Appu’s Café is all about promoting a healthy, sustainable lifestyle, and nourishes our community with delicious plant-based cuisine. To celebrate our connection with CSULB, and welcome friends from this prestigious institution, we’re offering this exclusive discount. Present your valid CSULB ID when you visit to receive a 10% discount on your meal.
*Limited to 1 transaction per day
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Join the Department of Africana Studies in their annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration. This virtual event will feature poetry, music, a candle lighting and message from the founder of Kwanzaa. |
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Date: Tuesday December 5th
Time: 11am – 12:30 pm
Location: Virtual
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Date; Wednesday, December 13th & Thursday, December 14th
Time; 7-8:30 p.m.
Location; Carpenter Performing Arts Center
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A Nat King Cole Christmas |
Allan Harris the Harlem-based vocalist is coming to Long Beach to welcome the holidays. Join us this winter to hear Harris and his band perform their soulful rendition of Nat King Cole Classics.
Use discount code; BASG when ordering your tickets for $10 off up to two tickets.
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American Business Women's Association (ABWA) Scholarship |
The American Business Women’s Association’s Wind Song Charter Chapter is awarding a $2000 scholarship to a woman who will be or is attending a four-year university or graduate program for the 2024-2025 academic school year. To receive an application packet please send an interest request to Susan McCormick at (714) 625-5285 or via e-mail at swmcc714@aol.com by December 15th.
Requirements;
- Attending or planning to attend an accredited four-year university or graduate program
- Has a GPA of at least a 3.0
- U.S. Citizen
- Has California Residency
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Date; Saturday, December 15th
Time; 8 p.m.
Location; Carpenter Preforming Arts Center
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Christmas Tribute To Charlie Brown |
Jazz pianist and five-time Grammy nominee David Benoit, presents a show featuring cherished holiday songs from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Gather your friends and family for a night of holiday spirit with this Christmas tribute to characters that have charmed generations.
Use discount code; BASG when ordering your tickets for $10 off up to two tickets.
Use discount code; BASG when ordering your tickets for $10 off up to two tickets.
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Join the African American Cultural Center in a Kwanzaa Celebration honoring the principle of self-determination. This will be a night of music and dancing, with a children's corner available. Doors open at 5pm, for additional information please contact Jacqueline Quarles at 310-940-4462 |
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Date; Wednesday, December 27th
Time; 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location; 4321 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach CA
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Date; Sunday, January 14th
Time; 2 p.m.
Location; Carpenter Preforming Arts Center
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Enjoy a concert filled with fresh renditions of classic as well as contemporary hits performed with a jazzy Doo wop twist! Brought to you by the stars of Broadway’s Jersey Boys and Motown: The Musical. This brand-new show celebrating some of the greatest music in American pop and rock history is sure to be fun for anyone in the audience.
Use discount code; BASG when ordering your tickets for $10 off up to two tickets.
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New Day's Lyric
By Amanda Gorman
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