CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
BLACK SCHOLARS NEWSLETTER
February 19, 2025
The Black Scholars Newsletter shares dynamic, informative, and empowering stories that uplift, encourage, and inspire our community.
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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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5th Annual Black Alumni Scholarship Gala | | |
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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.
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By Monet Jenkins
Meet Cherise Jackson a fourth year, Film: Creative major at Cal State University Long Beach. With their major, they plan on entering the film industry while mainly focusing on documentary, movies and television shows, as well as sound production and design. One fun fact about Cherise is that they are CSULB’s Black Student Union Social Media Director.
To Cherise, being a Black Scholar means showing up in spaces as your true, authentic self while being aware of the environment around you. It’s about staying open-minded to learning new things and broadening your perspective. By embracing opportunities you never imagined, you can remain conscious and present in every space you enter. Cherise advises students: “Don’t get caught up in the material aspects of everything. Focus on the quality of your time as a student and continue refining all aspects of your craft.”
Read More Here
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Long Beach Mayor, Rex Richardson | | |
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By Emmanuel Okereke
Long Beach, a city rich in history and diversity, has made strides in creating opportunities for underrepresented people of color to gain education and resources. This success is due in no small part to the hard work of Rex Richardson, the city's first Black mayor who has, and is leading the charge for a more equitable and inclusive Long Beach. This achievement is a defining moment, not just for Richardson personally, but for the entire Black Long Beach community and for every underrepresented group in the city.
Read More Here
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By Z'nya Spears
My name is Z’nya Spears, and I’m currently pursuing a major in Molecular Cell Biology & Physiology at CSULB. My goal is to become a Physican Assistant in Dermatology along with any other specialties I discover while in my undergraduate experience. I am a first-generation student and have no prior medical experience. However, I have a dream -- a dream that a lot of other pre-med students like me share. That dream is to be able to afford medical experiences that not only enrich us on paper but drastically change our dream to a reality.
As a student pursuing medicine, before you get a chance to even think of healing people you are required to tick boxes. These boxes qualify you to maybe get a seat at the table at a medical school but don’t reflect how well of a medical provider you will be. This is why minorities, or first generational students like me do not pursue careers in this field. I grew up in a family with parents that had to squash their dreams to work and keep their heads over the water for their children. Their sacrifice has opened doors for me, including the chance to attend university and pursue greater opportunities.
Read More Here
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by Emmanuel Okereke
The essence of Black Excellence is a profound belief in community—a thriving, supportive ecosystem that uplifts and empowers its members to relentlessly pursue self-identity. This principle is not just an ideal; it is the framework that shapes the way we engage with the world, our careers, and our educational institutions. It is about resilience in the face of trauma, the courage to confront adversity, and the determination to push through struggles while relentlessly advancing toward progress.
At California State University, Long Beach, Daria Graham, Ph.D., embodies this vision of Black Excellence. As the Associate Vice President of Student Success & Engagement, Dr. Graham is helping to lead the charge to empower Black students, foster success, and create a community where all students can thrive.
Read More Here
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Hi Beach Family!
I’m Saniya Debose, the chair of the University and Recreation Wellness Center Board of Trustees, and I’m here to keep you in the loop on some ASI events. I do not speak on the behalf of the organization. At the moment, there are a few things I’d love to cue you in to.
- There’s an ongoing Beach Wellness Challenge in Beach Balance in the second floor of the SRWC and third floor of the University Student Union!
For any further information on any events this month, feel free to check out the CSULB ASI Calendar. Your Beach opportunities are endless!
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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.
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The 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available! Students may submit their 2025-26 FAFSA form here. | |
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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
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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.
Newsletter Highlights Form
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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!
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Long Beach City College
Black History Events
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We celebrate Black Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Black and African Americans who have inspired others to achieve success. Join LBCC in celebrating Black/African American culture and history through a series of wonderful events throughout the month of February. All virtual events will either be hosted through Zoom or presented through our official Long Beach City College YouTube channel.
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Dates: Saturday, February 22, 2025 & Sunday, February 23, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific
Purchase tickets here
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Aquarium of the Pacific's
African-American Festival
| The Aquarium of the Pacific will host its twenty-third annual African American Festival, which features music, dance, historical displays, and the Aquarium’s Heritage Award ceremony. Guests can also experience presentations, including storytelling, hip hop and break dance, drum circles, and live bands during the festival. They can also visit participating booths with displays. | | |
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This February, join us aboard the Queen Mary as we bring the vibrant African American culture to life in celebration of Black History Month! We’ll showcase the rich history, art, and spirit of Leimert Park, a historic hub for African American culture in Los Angeles.
Purchase tickets here
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Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Queen Mary
1126 Queens HWY Long Beach 90802
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Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: EED 67
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The Existence of Afro-Mexican Heritage and Identity | Join us for an insightful exploration of colorism in Mexico and the rich Afro-Mexican traditions that shape the cultural landscape. We will screen the short documentary Jamaica & Tamarindo: Afro Traditions in the Heart of Mexico, offering a deeper understanding of Afro-Mexican heritage and the unique experiences tied to this identity. | | |
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Come learn about the significance of natural hair and some hair care tips. And don’t forget there will be multiple chances to win a variety of free hair care products!
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Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: TBD
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Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: TBD
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Level Up: Your Academic Game | Level Up: Your Academic Game is your chance to get the inside scoop on the university policies that matter most. We'll cover everything from GPA and academic standing to grade point deficiency, repeating courses, the withdrawal process, and the resources and support available to help you succeed. | | |
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Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of the African and Caribbean diasporas at the Afro-Caribbean Social. Enjoy an evening of music, food, and community as we celebrate heritage and create lasting connections.
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Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: USU Ballrooms
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Date: Friday, February 28, 2025 | |
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This year, GEAR UP celebrates our 10th graders who completed a 5-part Agents of Change Portfolio where they developed creative solutions to solving today’s toughest challenges - such as housing insecurity, environmental sustainability, and mental health.
Engage and inspire the future leaders of Norwalk. Participate in a panel discussion exploring how your career field is making a difference. Sign-up for 1 or more dates between March 17 - March 27, from 3:15pm - 4:30pm.
Sign-up here
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On-Campus FASFA/CADAA Workshop - Bring Your Parents | |
Need Help Filing the FAFSA or CADAA application? Join the financial aid office at our on-campus FAFSA/CADAA Workshops where we’ll help you apply for federal and state financial aid.
Don’t miss out on this chance to secure the funding you need for your education before the March 3rd filing deadline. Parents are welcome and bring your laptop!
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Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Horn Center (HC) 100
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Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Doors Open: 11:00 AM
Location: Bethany Church
2250 Clark Avenue, Long Beach 90815
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Save the Date:
Gospel Music Choir
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California State University, Long Beach is excited to extend a heartfelt invitation to you for our very first CSULB Community Gospel Choir Concert, set to take place on March 1, 2025! This unforgettable event will celebrate the powerful and uplifting traditions of gospel music, bringing together the voices of the CSULB and Long Beach communities for a night of song, unity, and celebration.
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South Africa Study Abroad | |
Looking for Study Abroad opportunities this year? Check out this study abroad course taking place in Cape Town, South Africa.
Study Abroad Program Information
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Application Deadline: Monday,
March 3, 2025
Study Abroad Dates: June 1 - 29, 2025
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Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Location: University Library Room 501
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Dr. Somone Washington
Book Release
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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.
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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.
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Scholarship Deadlines: March 2025
Apply for scholarships here!
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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.
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Long Beach Council District 2 Mural
by Sydney James
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