CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH

BLACK SCHOLARS' NEWSLETTER

March 23, 2026


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

Meet the Editor

Toi Glover Headshot

Toi Glover

To get more announcements, and stay up to date with community events and opportunities, follow us on Instagram @csulbblackscholars
March Banner

Alumni Highlight

Uduak-Joe Ntuk

Uduak Joe Ntuk headshot

By Toi Glover

Meet Uduak-Joe Ntuk ‘06. He is recognized widely for his leadership in the community, and he is also a proud Cal State University Long Beach (CSULB) alum. Ntuk is also known for being a 2026 49 Under 49 honoree. Before exploring the work, he's doing now, it's important to understand how he represents his history at CSULB.

Community Highlight

The Impact of Queer Black Women

By Stephanie Lymon

Black women are the backbones of society, our culture, and our beauty. Queer Black women reflect the fullness of being a woman, being Black, and being queer. There are not many spaces on or off campus that center the unique experiences of Black women, especially Queer Black women, and the multiple identities they hold. 

Stephanie Lymon
The Impact of Women's History Month Poster

The Impact of Women's History Month

By Toi Glover

March is the month we celebrate women. It is a time dedicated to honoring the beauty, brilliance, and strength of women everywhere. Women are multifaceted, talented, independent, capable, and so much more than words can fully express. This month shines a spotlight on the impact women have had, and continue to have, on the world. However, there is one question to review, how did Women’s History Month begin?

Opening His Doors to Possibilities: Kris Reed's Transformative Support of the CSULB Gospel Concert

By Z'nya Spears

This past February, California State University Long Beach held its second Gospel Community Choir Concert, and the large choir of close to100 voices filled Bethany Church with encouraging songs. The Gospel choir was led by Ananias Montague, and an incredible team of highly proficient volunteer music professionals. The significance of having so many Long Beach community members gather in song is powerful. It contributes to unity, and it creates a space where people from all walks of life can participate in a safe environment where both unexperienced and established voices can be heard. Senior Kris Reed is always willing to open his doors to the community as a CSULB liaison.

Kris Reed photo

Black Scholars Program

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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 Highlight 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!

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Beach Nexus: Black Alumni Network

   Connect. Learn. Collaborate.

Link to Black Alumni Network


Join the Black Alumni Network

The Black Scholars Team, in collaboration with Alumni Services, has launched the Black Alumni Network on the Beach Nexus platform. Be part of a powerful intergenerational community supporting Black students at CSULB. Share your journey, offer guidance, and help shape the next generation of Black Excellence.

We Want to Hear Your Voice

The Black Scholars team wants to hear your voice in our newsletter. We want everyone who feels inspired to contribute to know that their perspective matters and is welcomed. As a small token of appreciation, anyone who submits an article will be entered into a drawing for an Amazon gift card. We’re excited to uplift your stories and insights.

$25 gift card poster

Click Here to submit articles

 Black Scholars Team

Click here to apply

Position: Editorial and Media Coordinator

The Black Scholars Team is looking for a new member! We’re searching for a video editor and a videographer, someone creative, versatile, and ready to take on both. If you love diligent editing and bringing ideas to life behind the camera, this is your moment. Put your artistic skills to work by crafting powerful narratives and capturing them on screen.

CSULB Events and Programs

Sister Friends

 Sister Friends is a healing-centered community for Black women students focused on connection, empowerment, and collective care. The group offers space to talk honestly about life, relationships, identity, and navigating predominantly white institutions—while building resilience, joy, and support alongside other Black women.


Sister Friends Banner

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026

Time: 1:00 PM- 2:30 PM

Location: Brotman Hall 226

Let's Talk Banner

Date: Friday, March 27, 2026

Monday, March 23, 30, 2026

Time: Fridays: 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM Mondays: 9:00 AM- 10:00 AM

Location: Join Here

Let's Talk: Confidential drop in consultations with a psychologist

Let’s Talk is an online or in person drop-in service where CSULB students can have an individual and informal consultation with a CAPS clinician. Let’s Talk is not therapy but offers a space to access support, gain perspective, explore resources, and discuss how therapy might be helpful. No appointment needed just sign up below.


State of the field Banner

Date: March 24, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM- 12:30 PM

Location: The Anatol Center


Feminism and Women's Gender, and Sexuality Studies: State of the Field

Join WGSS Faculty and students to learn about the variety of feminisms that we uplift and explore collaboration with WGEC.

Women Veterans Luncheon: Self-Care (and what that really means

Join us for a special Women's Veteran luncheon! This gathering provides an opportunity to connect with fellow women veterans, share stories, and build a supportive community. 

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Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM

Location: Barrett Athletic Administration Building and BAAC


Men of color summit 2026 poster

Registration Deadline: Friday, February 27, 2026

Date: Friday, March 27, 2026

Time: 9:00 PM- 3:00PM

Location: College of Business 140 A

Men of Color Summit

Men’s Success Initiative welcomes you to the Men of Color Summit. This will be an opportunity to elevate your résumé, strengthen your communication and team‑building skills, and connect through meaningful networking and peer‑to‑peer support. Apply by Friday, February 27, 2026, and get ready to immerse yourself in growth, purpose, and betterment.

Community Events and Programs

Title Here HBCU Girls Basketball Showcase... Get Recruited

Hey ladies! Got hoop dreams? Whether you're an unsigned senior, JUCO player, or in the transfer portal — this is your moment to shine and get recruited by HBCU coaches!


Get Tickets Here

Showcase Banner

Date: Friday, April 10, 2026

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Time: Friday: 5:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM

Location: Firebaugh High School, 5246 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Lynwood, CA

Scholarships

GT Ventures poster

Deadline: Monday, June 1, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM

Apply Today

GT Ventures Grant

This grant opportunity is designed to uplift and invest in young, talented Black youth who are interested in starting a nonprofit of business. The selected awardee will receive a one-time cash grant, along with 18 months of mentorship and access to our incubators of industry leaders. 




Roberta and Matthew Jenkins Scholarship

The Roberta and Matthew Jenkins Scholarship was created for the express purpose of supporting Black students who face economic challenges in their pursuit of a college degree. The intersectionality of race, systemic and structural inequality, and inter-generational poverty have definite and lingering consequences on these students' aspirations and life trajectories. The consequences of these inequities are most evident in their post-secondary pursuits and achievement.

Long Beach Community Foundation

Date: Thursday, April 2, 2025

Time: 11:59 PM

Apply Today

Artistic Entry

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