CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
BLACK SCHOLARS NEWSLETTER
July 11, 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
| | | Thank You and Farewell to President Jane Conoley | | Long Beach Black Health City Hall | | |
by Z'nya Spears
The Black Scholars Team had the honor of attending the Black Health event at Long Beach City Hall, hosted by the inspiring Black Health Equity Team. The evening began with a powerful African drum tribute, setting a meaningful tone. Speakers like Kevin Hatcher, Jeremy Scruggs, and Allison King led impactful conversations on advocacy, equity, and community-driven health solutions. A dynamic panel with great leaders in the black community including Jodie Ricks council woman left us with great initiatives. The Black Health Assessment Survey is making a powerful impact, helping us stay deeply connected to the vital work happening in our community to improve Black health and wellness. Did you miss this event?
Learn More Here
| | | City of Long Beach Juneteenth Celebration | |
Testimony By : Imani Moses
"This years Long Beach Juneteenth celebration was a true testament of love, power, and beauty. The gift of being in community with those who uplift Black culture, embrace Black love, and champion the freedom and contributions of Black people was unmistakable. We listened to encouraging speakers, watched soulful performances, and ate delicious food in harmony, in joy, and in peace."
| | | African American Cultural Center of Long Beach | | |
Discover the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach, a vibrant hub dedicated to celebrating and preserving Black and African American heritage. The center offers enriching programs like the Pan Afrikan study group, cultural classes and rotating exhibits that explore history, identity and community.
Don’t miss their West African Drum Classes every 2nd and 4th Thursday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, and West African Dance Classes every 2nd and 4th Friday from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM. These events are open to all and are a great way to connect, learn, and celebrate culture. Visit their website for more details, everyone is welcome!
Visit Website here
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Farewell & Thank You
As Cal State Long Beach’s first regularly appointed woman president, Jane Close Conoley bids farewell as she looks back on her time at The Beach, which she steered through a decade of growth and transformation. She navigated a global pandemic, launched record-breaking fundraising campaigns and strengthened community ties. Always motivated by her care for students, Conoley also invested heavily in student housing, expanded access to mental health and prioritized inclusive excellence.
Read More Here
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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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Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: 6400 Pacific Coast Hwy
Long Beach, 90803
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Experience the best of beachside music at Beachside Beats Fest, the free concert series at 2ND & PCH this summer! The main stage event happens once a month, bringing big sounds and energetic vibes.
Tickets
| | | The Music Center: Dance DTLA Reggaeton Night | Join us on Jerry Moss Plaza for an unforgettable night of rhythm, community, and fun under the stars. Move to the beat of Reggaeton at The Music Center’s Dance DTLA. A free, high-energy summer dance series in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. Led by top L.A. instructor Dennis Guzman, this beginner-friendly Reggaeton lesson is open to all. | | |
Date: Friday, July 25, 2025
Time: 7:00pm-11:00pm
Location: 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
RSVP Link Here
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First Fridays In
Bixby Knolls
| First Fridays in Bixby Knolls feature music, live entertainment, and special deals and offerings at local businesses open late for the event. Visit the event page for more details on art, music, and businesses with special offers and activities. | | |
Date: Friday, August 1, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: 4321 Atlantic Avenue
Long Beach 90807
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Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: 6301 Myrtle Avenue Long Beah 90805
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Uptown Jazz Festival
The City of Long Beach and the Office of Ninth District Councilmember Joni Ricks-Oddie present the 14th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival. Save the date! Come and enjoy this free community event at Houghton Park. The Uptown Jazz Festival has been a pivotal part of Uptown Long Beach's community highlighting music, food and celebration.
| | Faces On the Popcorn Ceiling | | |
skinned knees and ripped pants
ran a mile and could still run more
chapped lips and dirty hands
wiped on the shirt of hopes and dreams
nothing left to see outside as the sun goes down
except the infinite white sky above me
dotted faces telling stories of the lives I never lived
stare and look all you can
but once you blink, and it all goes away
a new pattern begins, like the wind sweeping clouds through the air
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