CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
BLACK SCHOLARS NEWSLETTER
August 14, 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
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Passing the Torch:
Paul Carter's Farewell and Celebration
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By Monet Jenkins
Last month marked a heartfelt milestone for the Black Scholars team, as we gathered to honor Paul Carter’s impactful tenure as the Assistant Director of the Black Resource Center at California State University, Long Beach. Surrounded by students and staff, at Luna Bistro & Cafe in Long Beach, we had the honor of celebrating Paul’s dedication and leadership within the Black community . As Paul turns the page to a new chapter, his impact will be felt by in every student who finds support, every program that thrives, and every future leader who feels seen and valued because of his work. We wish Paul all the success and joy this next journey brings and remind him that this is never goodbye, but simply, “see you later.”
Read more here about how the community celebrated Paul Carter's impact.
| | | The new addition for the CSULB Village program is to train students to learn about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Two students were interested in being trained and are sharing their experience in doing so. This will be a valuable experience, that we hope more students can benefit from. | | | | |
By Eliana Walls
Hi! My name is Eliana Walls, and I am a fourth-year student majoring in Public Health. I am confident that CSULB's Village FAFSA trainings are not only necessary but will help students better understand how financial aid works. This includes how I can support other students in navigating the process.
It can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance, it becomes much more manageable. My hope is to share accurate and reliable information with my peers and be able to demystify financial aid.
By participating in workshops, my intention is to make college and higher education feel more accessible and exciting for everyone, free from financial barriers.
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By Mya Powell
Hi! My name is Mya, and I’m a third year student majoring in child development. I recently got trained on how to support others through the FAFSA process. Being trained in FAFSA has helped me understand how financial aid works and how to explain it for others who might feel overwhelmed.
I know how confusing the application can be, so being able to support my peers and community through it feels really impactful. It’s also a skill that will help me personally as I continue applying each year and helping family or friends.
Overall, it’s empowering to know I can make a difference just by understanding the system better.
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By Z'nya Spears
Nicole Snell, a proud Cal State Long Beach alumna and President’s Scholar, is an award-winning international speaker, and self-defense expert. She is the CEO of Girls Fight Back and founder of Outdoor Defense, specializing in gender-based violence prevention and empowerment. Nicole has trained millions worldwide, including the U.S. military and Fortune 500 companies. Her TEDx Talk, “Self-Defense and Fighting Back: A Path to Empowerment,” inspires girls to reclaim their power.
Read her blog on her journey to TEDx here
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By Monet Jenkins
Black Scholars had the lovely opportunity to connect students, staff and faculty, alumni, and community members together for our Summer Retreat. Together we were able to sail alongside the city of Long Beach on a yacht. While planning for the upcoming school year and finding ways we can collaborate and work together more as one.
| | | The Beginning of the Black Alumni Network | | |
On Beach Nexus: Black Alumni Network
- Connect. Learn. Collaborate.
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It's finally here. The Black Scholars team has worked with Alumni Services to launch the Black Alumni Network.
The Black Alumni Network will foster meaningful connections among Black students, alumni, faculty and staff. Become a part of a strong intergenerational community that supports professional, academic, and personal growth of Black students at California State University, Long Beach. Join the thriving vision to cultivate a lifelong network that represents generations of Black Excellence.
Link to Black Alumni Network
| | Using Seasonal Whole Foods to Beat the Heat | | | | |
By Mark Kelly
Nature is cooking all the fruits and veggies on the vine all summer long, so from nature’s perspective, the need to generate an abundance of digestive acid to cook foods that are already pre-cooked by the sun is redundant. And wherever the body can conserve energy, it automatically will. As the earth heated up, being able to survive, and endure the ongoing hunt for food (prey), required an incredible ability to handle heat, and this is just one of our heat-reducing mechanisms. So be sure to think twice this summer before taking that 2nd or 3rd helping of barbecued ribs, breads, or macaroni & cheese as these are winter foods that challenge the digestive system.
Read more to find a sweet recipe to Mark's Watermelon Lemonade Party Punch!
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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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Registration Deadline: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Register for the Free Training Here
| | Free Training for Young Entrepreneurs | |
The Futurepreneur Program by the April Parker Foundation offers a 5-week online experience to help them turn that spark into something real. Starting August 18, participants will receive:
- Self-paced training modules (Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Financial Literacy & more)
- Weekly live workshops with business professionals
- One-on-one coaching and mentorship
- A pitch competition with cash prizes
- Graduation and celebration with peers
| | | Lighthouse Resource Empowerment Center | Join us in making an impact for one of CSULB Village liaisons community day for youth. If you would like to share resources to children on college or just support your local community, participate in this resource fair hosted to enhance empowerment for the youth in their preparation for back to school. Support young Black youth in their academic journeys! Make an impact with CSULB Village. | | |
Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: 180 East 57 Street, Long Beach, 90805
RSVP Link Here
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Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: 20700 S. Avalon Blvd. Suite 285 Carson, 90746
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Respect My Crown Screening
Respect My Crown tells the 170-year story of Black women in California politics, leaders like Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke who have fought for equality, justice and representation. Please District 65, along with the Office of Carson Mayor Pro Tem Cedric Hicks, Sr., Murdock Community and Care Services, and constituents from the 65th District, for a special event at the Cinemark Carson.
RSVP Here
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Free Health Services at New Hope Church
Join us for a Free Community Health Event. The services offered will include forty plus mobile mammograms, dental exams and extractions. They will also be providing vision screenings with free eyeglasses. Along with, free HIV testing, flu/COVID shots, glucose and blood pressure checks, groceries, and resources. There is no insurance needed and you only need to bring a valid photo I.D. Sponsored by trusted local partners, this event offers care and support for all. Don't miss out on this free clinic for the community.
Register Here for the Event
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Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: 21160 E. New York Street, Long Beach, CA 90813
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Date: Wednesday, August 30, 2025, through Sunday, September 14, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: 330 E. Seaside Way, Long Beach, 90802
Read More Here
| | Masala Dabba World Premiere | Join us in attending Masala Dabba, a powerful world premiere that stirs the senses and the soul. Set in a home where food is more than nourishment. It’s memory, identity, and sometimes, a battleground, this deeply moving drama explores the lens of an Indian/African American family, Masa Dabba invites all of us to reflect on our own roots, rituals, and reckonings. Each spice in the grandmother’s masala box becomes a portal into the past. Whether your family gathers around jumbo, jollof, or jerk chicken, you’ll enjoy yourself in this story of culture, connection and the choices we carry. | | | Week of Welcome will host student organizations and campus departments grouped into different categories for the community to browse. Every semester Week of Welcome students make connections, join clubs and organizations, learn about university resources and so much more. | | |
Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 through Thursday, September 4, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Central Quad and Speaker's Platform
Register Here
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Date: Friday, September 12, 2025, -Saturday , September 13, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: 6200 E Atherton Street, Long Beach, 90815
Tickets available at carpenterarts.org.
| | Bilal Carpenter Center Performance | |
Join Carpenter Center for Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Bilal as he shares his deep love of soul, funk, and jazz in two electrifying nights of sonic brilliance on our Cabaret Stage! A classically trained vocalist from Philadelphia, his collaborators include Kendrick Lamar, Common, Jay-Z, and Beyoncé. Bilal performs fresh material and fan favorites in this magnetic performance on our intimate cabaret stage as part of the new Spotlight Sessions. Get your tickets today!
Save $10 per ticket when you use the promo code BAS10 at checkout!
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