CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH

BLACK SCHOLARS NEWSLETTER

December 8, 2025

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

Meet the Editors

Monet Jenkins

Toi Glover

Black Scholars Highlight

A Thank You To From Our Black Scholars Family

By Tracy Kelly

As we close out this year, I want to take a moment to reflect and express my deepest gratitude. It has been a truly successful year for Black Scholars—and that is because of you.

First, I must thank my incredible student team: Chloe Thomas, Monet Jenkins, Emmanuel Okereke, Z’nya Spears, Ralston Lewars, Dijon Higgins, Toi Glover, and SaRai Sherman. These students put in the work while balancing their studies, and their dedication has been nothing short of inspiring.

Most importantly, we want to thank you—our Black Scholars Village. Your support of time, donations, and positive energy made everything possible. Because of you, we accomplished the following:

·      Hosted the 5th Annual Black Alumni Scholarship Gala

·      Awarded 137 student scholarships

·      Provided financial wellness workshops

·      Provided scholarship application workshops

·      Provided study abroad workshops

·      Participated in community events both on and off campus

·      Launched the Black Alumni Network

·      Hosted the first Black Alumni Reception

It is bittersweet that some of our students—Chloe Thomas, Monet Jenkins, Ralston Lewars, and Emmanuel Okereke—will be graduating this year. They are prepared to do great things in the world and have committed to staying connected through the Black Alumni Network, ensuring that the work of building and sustaining a nurturing community continues.

In these ever-changing times, it’s good to know we are not alone. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.

As an African proverb reminds us:

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Here’s to continuing this journey together—boldly, purposefully, and without limits.

Support Our Scholars Here

Student Highlight

Nyah Beck

By Toi Glover



Meet Nyah Beck, a multifaceted and passionate graduate student at California State University, Long Beach. Nyah earned her undergraduate degree from UC Irvine in 2023 and is now pursuing a master’s in sports management while following her love for gaming. Her mission is to put a spotlight on underrepresented issues in the gaming industry by leveraging her knowledge and enthusiasm for the field. With persistence and determination, Nyah has even launched her own gaming company, creating a lasting impact on both the gaming industry and the Black community.

Community Highlights

By Emmanuel Okereke

Dr. Maulana Karenga, a prominent figure in African American studies, activism, and cultural revitalization, retires from Cal State Long Beach after over 30 years of work and activism. Dr. Karenga has had an impact on both the academic world and the cultural landscape of the African diaspora, as his work includes teaching as a professor and being an activist and cultural founder. As we celebrate his retirement, we also remember his contributions that continue to inspire generations to celebrate their cultural roots and work toward a more just and equitable society.

By Toi Glover

The Black Alumni Reception was a night filled with connection, positivity, and support. The Black Scholars team envisioned this celebration to honor alumni accomplishments and use those achievements to inspire current students. It was an evening designed to spark inspiration.

To set the tone, Z’nya Spears delivered a powerful presentation encouraging alumni to join Beach Nexus and the Black Alumni Network Community. Z’nya explained that Beach Nexus serves as a platform that creates mentorship and guidance between students and alumni. Her words created a meaningful connection with the audience, captivating everyone and deepening their commitment to the Black Scholars' mission.

Following the presentation, alumni engaged in workshops where they could sign up for Beach Nexus, join the community, or have professional headshots taken by Dijon Higgins, perfect for their profiles or other professional uses. The intimate atmosphere fostered open conversations and positive energy throughout the room.



Ultimately, the Black Scholars team wants alumni to know how vital they are in helping Black students at The Beach thrive by connecting through the Black Alumni Network community on Beach Nexus. 

Check out photos from the event here

Black Scholars Program

CSULB Events and Programs

Community Events and Programs