CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
BLACK SCHOLARS NEWSLETTER
September 23, 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
| | | Learning to Lead Through Research: Samyiah’s Journey | | |
By Monet Jenkins
Approximately 22% of graduating seniors participate in research during their college journey (U.S. Department of Education, 2021). For many, this opportunity not only strengthens academic skills but also allows them to contribute new perspectives to societal issues. Among this percentage is one of our scholars, Samyiah Bryant-Taylor, whose study, “Contact and Cooperation: How Prior Interactions Shape Interracial Team Dynamics,” gave her the opportunity to explore questions that matter not just in the classroom, but in everyday life. By examining the intersections of psychology, communication, and group behavior, Samyiah shed light on how prior contact can shape collaboration, trust, and overall team success.
Read more about Samyiah's research project journey with the McNair Scholars Program.
| | Samyiah Bryant-Taylor (left) pictured with her research professor, Dr. Chantrey J. Murphy (right) | | Lighthouse Church Resource Fair Highlight | | | | |
By Z'nya Spears
The CSULB Village program was created to drive change in the community. It continues to pursue this mission through bridging relationships between the university and faith-based organizations. Today, we highlight the successful 2025 Resource and Empowerment Community Day, executed by our valued liaisons Adrienne Jones and Myesha Gaines from the Lighthouse Center church, located at 180 E. 57th Street in Long Beach.
The Lighthouse Center Church operates a nonprofit that specializes in serving the community and remains committed to the annual liaison volunteer training conducted by the CSULB Village program.
On August 16, 2025, Adrienne Jones and Myesha Gaines hosted their very own Empowerment Center’s Resource Fair in Long Beach, California. This event embodies what it means for churches to be the cornerstone of community connection. Youth and community have always been the driving force behind the creation of the “Back-to-School Resource Fair,” at Lighthouse Church. In fact, this has long been part of the church’s foundation.
Read more about the Lighthouse Church
| | Black Alumni Scholarship Application | |
The Black Alumni Scholarship is officially open for the Fall 2025 semester! This opportunity is designed to support and empower college students in their academic journeys. Stay updated with our Instagram (@csulbblackscholars) for our upcoming Scholarship Application Workshops this month!
Apply for the Black Alumni Scholarship here!
| | Application Deadline: Monday, September 29, 2025 | | | | | |
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!
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CSULB Events and Programs
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Date: Tuesdays, September 23 & 30, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Black Pans-African Scholars Housing (Parkside H Building)
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Black Campus Ministry:
Bible Study
| Join the Black Campus Ministry as they host weekly Bible Study sessions! This is a welcoming space to connect with others, reflect on scripture, and have meaningful conversations. | | | Sisterfriends is a welcoming space for connection, encouragement, and growth. Meeting every Thursday, Sisterfriends offers a chance to share experiences, build community, and uplift one another throughout the college journey. | | |
Dates: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: Brotman Hall 226
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Dates: Monday, September 29, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Zoom
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Get free one-on-one consultations, every Monday for open and supportive conversations on mental health with a Dr. Shelly. These weekly talks provide guidance, coping tools, and a safe space to discuss the challenges and strengths of the Black student experience.
Register for a consultation here
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Black Student Union:
Dave and Busters Night
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Black Student Union (BSU) is having a fundraiser at Dave and Busters! The fundraiser will run throughout the month of September, but BSU will come as a group on September 26.
Support their fundraiser by Purchasing a Power Card here!
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Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: 7515 Carson Blvd, Long Beach, 90808
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Dates: Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
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Black Scholars:
Financial Wellness Workshops
| Ready to take charge of your money? Save the dates for our Financial Wellness workshops that will show you practical ways to manage your finances, avoid common pitfalls, and build confidence with every dollar. Start building your financial future today! | | |
Community Events and Programs
| | Join us for a night of live music, spoken word, and open mic performances. Our War Council of Worship Leaders will guide us in an exploration of #WorshipIsOurWeapon under the theme War Room: Reborn to Fight. Enjoy food for purchase, merch from Kingdom vendors, a 360 photo booth, raffles, and more. Come for the music, stay for the connection — because at the RED Lounge, no one’s a stranger, we’re all FAM. | | |
Date: Friday, September 26, 2925
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: The Loft, 3290 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach 90807
Secure your spot to the event here!
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Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: 3000 Long Beach Boulevard, Long beach 90805
| | Celebrate wellness with the whole family at our Family Health Festival! Enjoy free health resources, fun activities for kids and adults, interactive workshops, and community connections that support healthy living for every generation. | | | NAACP 8th Anniversary & Freedom Fund Gala | We invite you to join us as we commemorate the special 85th Anniversary celebration and Freedom Fund Gala! This is a celebration of culture, history, and community that is not to be missed. | | |
Date: Saturday October 11, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location: The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway Long Beach
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