CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
BLACK SCHOLARS' NEWSLETTER
June 17, 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
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Growing in Purpose, and Creating Impact at the
Black Resource Center
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By Tracy Kelly
The past two months stepping into the role of Interim Assistant Director of the Black Resource Center at CSULB have been both deeply challenging and incredibly rewarding. This transition has stretched me in new ways — refining my leadership, strengthening my sense of purpose, and affirming the importance of this work.
| | Reclaiming Pride: The Black Roots of Queer Liberation | |
By SaRai Sherman
Visiting Free & Queer: Black Californian Roots of Gay Liberation at the California African American Museum (CAAM) was a powerful experience. It reinforced how Black queer history is foundational, yet often overlooked. I felt a deep sense of pride in the people who came before and made space for others. The exhibition invites visitors to learn how entire communities have shaped movements we often take for granted today.
At its core, the exhibition explores the contributions of Black Californians to the gay liberation movement. It centers themes of visibility, resistance, and community, and highlights how interconnected cultural expression and activism have always been.
| | | A Growing Legacy: 146 Alumni and Counting | | |
By SaRai Sherman
Launched in July 2025, the Black Alumni Network has grown to 134 members. The network is a space dedicated to connecting, empowering, and celebrating Black alumni, students, and community members from California State University, Long Beach. Our goal is to create opportunities that strengthen connections among mentors, students, recent graduates, and the broader community through both in-person engagement and virtual programming.
With the celebration of the 39th Annual Black/Pan-African Graduation, we are proud to announce that we will welcome 146 additional alumni to the network, bringing our projected total to 280 members.
| | | Your Voice is Worth Protecting | | | | |
By Obinna Anum
We love hearing from our alumni and celebrating the incredible paths they’ve taken! We’re excited to feature this article, where one of our own shares their journey, insights, and continued impact. Enjoy the inspiration!
Obinna Anum is a CSULB alumnus, attorney, and founder of Anum Law, P.A. His work focuses on contracts, intellectual property, and helping creatives, entrepreneurs, students, and professionals protect their ideas, opportunities, and future.
| | Recap Pre-Grad Reception 2026 | |
By Z'nya Spears
An underrated event hosted by the Black Scholars slipped past our recognition this past month, yet its impact was deeply felt by all who attended. Created to honor the donors and supporters of both the Black Alumni Network and its scholarship, alumni, faculty, and sponsors were invited to experience California State University Long Beach’s Black Grad celebration in a more intimate and meaningful way.
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Newsletter Highlight Form 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 committees to sign up as an official CSULB volunteer. Use the link here to register 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!
Register 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. | | Click Here to submit articles | | | | | 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 Opportunities and Programs | | Submit the form here to get started | | Are you seeking Alumni Services at the Career Development Center? | |
The CDC is committed to supporting students’ professional goals and not just during school, but even after graduation. Many alumni are unaware that they can access CDC services for up to one year post-graduation. By submitting this form, alumni will be connected with a CDC coach who can help them utilize valuable resources, develop coping strategies, build connections, and successfully navigate life’s challenges after college.
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Community Events and Programs
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Date: June, 26, 2026
Time: 11-5:00 PM
Location: Lower Conference Room
30 Golden Shore Long Beach CA 90802
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The Long Beach NAACP is hosting a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Friday, June 26 from 11:00 am to 5:00pm at Catalina Landing in Long Beach.
This event helps support individuals affected by sickle cell disease and address the ongoing need for blood donation. Community members can participate in a standard donation or a Power Red donation, which focuses on collecting red blood cells.
All are welcome to stop by and give back to the community.
| | Free and Queer: Black Californian Roots of Gay | |
Join us for an engaging tour of Free and Queer: Black Californian Roots of Gay Liberation, an exhibit that highlights the rich histories and contributions of Black LGBTQ+ communities in California.
Explore powerful stories of resilience, activism, and cultural impact while gaining a deeper understanding of the roots of gay liberation. Don’t miss this opportunity to reflect, learn, and connect through a meaningful and inspiring experience.
RSVP for this event here
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Date: June 27, 2026
Time: 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Location: California African American Museum (CAAM)
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Last Day to Visit: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Location: 4321 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach 90807
| | A Seat At The Table presented by African American Cultural Center of Long Beach | |
Join us for A Seat At The Table honoring the nine trailblazing women who have served as Harbor Commissioners, highlighting their leadership, impact, and lasting contributions.
Celebrate their legacy and be inspired by their stories through this special exhibit, on display from May through June 27, 2026.
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Join us this Wednesday for Wellness, where we focus on supporting your mind, body, and overall well-being. Take a break from your busy schedule to recharge, connect, and learn practical tips for maintaining balance.
Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and build healthy habits that last.
Link to Website here
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Date: Every Wednesday
Time: Begins at 6:00 pm
Location: The Intersection of Art and Mindfulness 580 Pine Ave, Long Beach
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Apply now! The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) is accepting applications for the Long Beach Poetry Slam.
Join us for an evening that celebrates artistry, community, and storytelling. With $500 in prizes on the line, performers will compete for the spotlight in a showcase you won’t want to miss.
Whether you're stepping up to the mic or cheering from the crowd, this is your invitation to experience the impact of poetry in motion.
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Date: Friday, July 17, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Edison Theater, 213 Broadway, DTLB
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Last Day to Visit: Saturday, Jul 27, 2026
Days Open: Wednesday through Friday
Time: 12:00 AM- 3:00 PM
Location: Horn Center 1250 Bellflower Boulevard Long Beach, CA 90840
| | Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum Cal State Long Beach | |
Join us in celebrating the vision, innovation, and voices of student artists pushing creative boundaries at CSULB. INSIGHTS 2026, the School of Art’s annual juried exhibition, showcases standout work across a range of disciplines from emerging undergraduate and graduate artists.
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Join us at the Carpenter Center for Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, and producer Bilal.
Tickets available here
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