CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
BLACK SCHOLARS NEWSLETTER
January 30, 2026
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
| | | | | What started as an opportunity to write and create turned into a platform where Black excellence, resilience, and community could be celebrated in every space. This newsletter became more than words in an article; it became a space for real stories and voices to be honored and shared. I saw that past, present, and future Black Scholars could stand in the same room and see themselves reflected in one another. However, now it is time to close this chapter through a farewell and open the door to the opportunities ahead. | | |
By Toi Glover
Meet Jada O’Connor, a fourth-year accountancy major. Jada is a talented and hardworking student who aspires to use her degree as a foundation for a future career as a corporate or tax lawyer. She dedicates her time to various organizations at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), participating in clubs and outreach programs. Her influence at CSULB even reached beyond campus when she competed for the title of Miss Southern California.
| | | Ernest McBride and the NAACP | |
By Emmanuel Okereke
A new chapter of the NAACP has been established at California State University, Long Beach, helping connect students to one of the most influential civil rights organizations in the nation. Its presence on campus builds upon an 85-year legacy of advocacy in Long Beach, where community leaders fought discrimination in housing, policing, education, and employment. This celebration would not be complete without honoring Ernest McBride’s pivotal role in making this opportunity possible.
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By Emmanuel Okereke
For many Black students at Cal State Long Beach, finding community, support, and resources can feel overwhelming, especially on such a large campus. However, programs like the Men’s Success Initiative are transforming what support looks like for Black students, even if many of these opportunities still fly under the radar. The Men’s Student Success Initiative (MSI) is one of the most impactful but often overlooked programs on campus. Designed to empower, guide, and support men of color, the initiative focuses on strengthening persistence, academic performance, and post-graduation success.
| | CSULB Community Gospel Choir Invites You to Sing, Celebrate, and Come Together | |
By Tracy Kelly
The spirit of unity and joyful celebration is rising in Long Beach as the CSULB Community Gospel Choir prepares for its upcoming concert on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:30 AM. This vibrant event brings together students, staff, families, and community members to experience the power, history, and joy of gospel music, guided this year by special guest instructor Ananias Montague.
| | | The Legacy of a Leader: Martin Luther King Jr | | |
Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy has left a lasting impact on the world, as there is honor brought to his name every year. Martin Luther King Jr. helped bridge the gap between separation based on race, so the divide in the world could begin to mend. In addition to addressing racial conflict, he brought awareness to the opportunities Black people should have, as equality is a virtue that should be upheld worldwide. He highlighted civil rights movements that were being overlooked or restricted, allowing the world to witness unfair treatment.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s consistency served as an inspiration to many, leading to the rise of several civil rights activists. Today, Cal State University Long Beach students celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day by marching in parades to bring awareness to the legacy he established and the never-ending fight for justice. The Black Student Union educated others about Martin Luther King Jr. by handing out guides that highlighted the importance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. They also set up a table, and as people signed up, they gave an ovation about why they appreciate Leimert Park’s efforts in celebrating a day of remembrance.
It is crucial that Martin Luther King Jr.’s efforts are praised every day because he helped mend a harsh and damaged society so everyone can better understand unity.
| | The Mu Chi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity walked alongside Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson in the Long Beach Martin Luther King Jr. parade. | The Delta Eta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta sorority incorporated walking in the Los Angeles Martin Luther King Jr. parade. | | The Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority incorporated walking in the Long Beach Martin Luther King Jr. parade. | The Black Student Union highlighted Martin Luther King Jr. Day by participating in community service at the Los Angeles Martin Luther King Jr. parade. | | | | |
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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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. | |
CSULB Events and Programs
| | Beach Pride Events (BPE) is proud to present Week of Welcome (WoW) at Long Beach State University (LBSU)! Every semester, WoW helps students make connections, join clubs and organizations, learn about university resources and so much more. | | |
Dates: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 & Thursday, January 29, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Speaker's Platform & Central Quad
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Dates: Friday, January 30, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Carpenter Center
| | Carpenter Center: Miles Davis | |
Featuring Miles Davis alumni and next-generation innovators. Experience this powerful homage and remarkable fusion of past and present as these luminaries expand the boundaries of jazz while honoring the innovations of Miles Davis’s electric period.
Get Tickets Here
| | | Black History Month Cookout | Grab a plate of cookout food, meet Black student orgs, play games, and enjoy a celebration of Black history and culture. Feel at home with us and get connected with students, faculty, staff, and organizations that will support you through your time at the Beach. | | |
Dates: Monday, February 2, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM- 2:00 PM
Location: The Pointe
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Dates: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM
Location: Speakers Platform
| | 27th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration | Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 27th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration. Join us for an uplifting event that honors his vision of justice and unity while inspiring action toward a brighter future. | | | Major! Love: A Screening Tribute to Miss Major and Trans Black Legacies | Join us for an inspiring and heartfelt movie night, as we celebrate the life, leadership and legacy of Miss Major, a beloved elder of the transgender rights movement and a lifelong advocate for Black trans liberation. This event is a celebration, remembrance, and display of love in community. All are encouraged to join us! | | |
Dates: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM- 5:00 PM
Location: PH1 141
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Dates: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM- 5:00 PM
Location: Shakarian Student Success Center 140D
| | Black Love Appreciation Care Kindness in B.L.O.O.M. | This Black History Month let’s talk about how to love and appreciate yourself when the world keeps telling you that you’re not enough. You'll leave with: Room to breathe, permission to be imperfect, and tools to choose yourself daily. This workshop centers the Black experience and welcomes anyone seeking deeper self-appreciation. Space is limited. | | | Black Student, Faculty, Staff, & Alumni Social: Community Game Night | Come be in community with fellow students, faculty, and staff! Join us for some card games, board games, and network with the CSULB Black Beach community! Find community, conversation, and connection with a side of fun and food! | | |
Dates: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM- 5:00 PM
Location: PH1 101
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Community Events and Programs
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Project Optimism Mentor 2 Mentor Program
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The 12‑week Mentor 2 Mentor program supports college students ages 18–26 in building leadership skills, mentoring experience, and community connections. Participants engage in weekly workshops, peer mentorship, and youth mentoring and receive a certificate, 50 service hours, and a $250 stipend upon completion. Students interested in growing as leaders are encouraged to apply.
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Deadline: February, 1, 2026
Apply Today
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Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
Time: 12:00pm
Location: Peterson Hall Room 101
| | Project Optimism Mentor to Mentor Mixer | |
Join us for the Mentor‑to‑Mentor Mixer with Project Optimism, an exciting opportunity to connect with professional, civic, and youth development networks. Engage with guest mentors, community leaders, and partner organizations while building meaningful relationships with peers and fellow mentors. This mixer is designed to spark collaboration, strengthen community ties, and support continued connection beyond the program because mentorship grows stronger when we grow together.
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Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026
Apply Today
| | CSULB Black Alumni Scholarship | |
The CSULB Black Alumni Scholarship is funded through the annual Black Alumni Scholarship Gala and supports students connected to the Black/Pan‑African Student Cultural Resource Center. Eligible applicants must be enrolled at least part‑time, be in good academic standing, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and demonstrate financial need. Awards vary, are available university‑wide through Student Affairs, and the application deadline is March 2, 2026.
| | | The Rosalind Molina and Barbara Molina Endowed Scholarship | With Barbara “Bobbie” Molina’s passing, her close friends and trustees of her estate, Theresa Murphy and Stacy Kelso have honored Bobbie’s wishes and instructions by establishing the Rosalind Molina & Barbara Molina Endowed Scholarship that provides financial aid support to students active with the Puvunga Resource Center and Women, Gender and Equity Center at CSULB. | | |
Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026
Apply Today
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Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026
Apply Today
| | Catalyst for Change Endowed Scholarship | This scholarship supports CSULB students engaged in social justice work within the Black community. Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, recent involvement in social justice efforts, and active membership in the Black Student Union, a CSULB‑recognized Black organization, or a National Pan‑Hellenic Council organization. Financial need may also be considered. | | | Pete G. & Emma Ortiz Endowed Scholarship | This scholarship aims to support students who actively participate in the Latinx Resource Center or are involved in a CSULB Latinx student organization. | | |
Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026
Apply Today
| | | Resilience Scholarship Program | |
Deadline: Friday, March 13, 2026
Apply Today
| | Applications for the Resilience Scholarship Program are now being accepted through March 13, 2026. Applicants must be residents of Los Angeles and enrolled in or plan to attend an accredited university, community college, or certification program. A selection committee will review applications and award scholarships to deserving recipients. Scholarship funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses. | | | 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. | | |
Deadline: Monday, June 1, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM
Apply Today
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