CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH

BLACK SCHOLARS NEWSLETTER

November 1, 2024

The Black Scholars Newsletter exists to share dynamic, informative and empowering stories that uplift, encourage, and inspire our community.

Editors

Chloe Thomas

Monet Jenkins

Emmanuel Okereke

By Chloe Thomas

On Friday, October 18, the Black Scholars Program partnered with the Black Resource Center, and Student Health Services to put on an event that supports the health and wellness of our Black students. The event, titled “Black Wellness in Motion” was an all-day experience held at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. The day was filled with a variety of athletic activities designed to engage students in physical exercise, and foster a sense of community amongst students. Participants had the opportunity to join basketball games, volleyball matches, and try their hand at rock wall-climbing, all while cheering on their friends and peers. 

Each activity offered participants the chance to stay active while promoting teamwork and camaraderie. In addition to athletic events, the day concluded with an outdoor gathering at the Recreation Center pool. This social was a highlight of the event, featuring food, lively conversation, and much laughter. It provided an opportunity for students to get to know one another and unwind. 

Wellness is a crucial aspect of life, especially for students who often balance demanding schedules filled with classes, work, and extracurricular activities. Events such as Black Wellness in Motion offer a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing students to focus on their physical health. By organizing this event, the Black Scholars Program, Black Resource Center, and Student Health Services demonstrated their dedication to the holistic wellness of Black students. We hope that initiatives such as this will promote the use of spaces designed for students' wellbeing and encourage them to spend more time prioritizing their health and wellness.

By Monet Jenkins

Cal State Long Beach has been participating in the California University and College Ballot Bowl, a friendly competition among higher institutions aimed to see who can encourage the most college students to become registered voters. Faculty and students have collaborated on various events and activities to promote voter education. If you haven’t had the opportunity to attend any voter education events, here’s a recap of what CSULB has been doing leading up to election . 

Understanding the Ballot Event featuring Dr. Perkins presenting "Rights in the Republic"

“Understanding the Ballot” was a collaborative event featuring the Women’s Gender and Equity Center, the Office of Belonging and Inclusion, the Veterans Services Center, and CSULB’s ASI Student Body Government. This event provided discussions of political jargon, and the terminology commonly used in political documents, while also examining key cases relevant to this year’s ballot propositions. Pamphlets were provided that included information on checking your voter registration status, explanations of the propositions, distinctions between direct and indirect democracy, and general election information. 

“Pups and Props” was an engaging event organized by ASI Student Government that provided a fun and interactive way to learn about ballot propositions. Each table offered resources related to the general election, starting with how to register to vote through the California Secretary of State’s registration portal and concluding with a guide on voting for propositions. ASI also gifted students customized Ballot Bowl Elbee t-shirts for those who registered through the CSU voter portal. To top it off, students had the chance to spend time with some playful puppies after gathering information from each table! 

Pups and Props Event featuring students interacting with puppies after receiving voter education resources

"The Ballot Breakdown" Workshop featuring students filling out their sample ballots

“The Ballot Breakdown” was a collaborative event organized by the Black Resource Center and the Black Scholars Program. Ricki Burgener, the Director of University Partnerships and Civic Engagement, led discussion with students seeking guidance on this year’s ballot propositions. The event created a space for these important conversations while also allowing students time to read what was on their ballots and ask questions. 

Understanding voter education is crucial for college students. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, less then 30% of individuals aged 18 to 24, voted in the 2022 midterm elections. Although the student voting rate increased by 14% between 2016 and 2020, the perception that college students are less likely to vote persists. Now is the time to make your voice heard. At CSULB, the Vote Center will be in the Walter Pyramid, The Pointe, and Sunset Rooms A & B, open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

The Mail-In Ballot Drop Box located near the Macintosh Building.

Student Highlight

By Emmanuel Okereke

Meet Z’nya Spears, a second-year at Cal State University, Long Beach, majoring in Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career as a physician assistant, in the field of dermatology. A fun fact about Z'nya is that she has been a Pescatarian since the age of five.

Upon choosing Long Beach, she found a sense of community through various Black organizations on campus. She felt welcomed in the many Black spaces available. In her first year at CSULB, Z’nya has made both academic and leadership achievements. In her words, she says, “our environment plays a big part in our success, needing a place to study and feel secure in having an education. Having familiar faces in the field that you are seeking helps to visualize your goal and helps to make your goals possible”. With the support from those around her, Z’nya made the honor roll for the university and continues to make academic strides.  

Through her work to bring back the Long Beach Honeys, a group that unites the community through diverse styles of dance, she has demonstrated unmatched leadership. She serves on the executive board as the secretary for the Honeys, and due to her passion for health, co-founded the Black Health Professionals Organization on campus. This organization was created to support Black student growth and success in any profession related to health and medicine. Z’nya is someone that takes pride in honest work, which is apparent from her accolades. She has also received a certificate for being in the Physician Assistants Coming Together (PACT) club and currently is working on gaining more members for her organization. 

Her role models include her advisor from her time at the Boys and Girls' Club when she was younger, and Adanna the Physician Assistant a YouTube creator, who focuses on the life of being a Black Physician Assistant. For Z’nya, a Black Scholar is someone who chooses to be successful despite challenges in their way. She exemplifies this quality through her strides to make a path not just for herself, but for those coming after her. 

Rehearsals: Monday, February 24 to Friday, February 28, 2025



Gospel Concert: Saturday, March 1, 2025

Participants can register for free here!

By Monet Jenkins

California State University, Long Beach is thrilled to announce Gospel Music Week at CSULB! From Monday, February 24 to Friday, February 28, 2025, we are inviting community members and students to participate in a week-long of engaging rehearsals for a spectacular concert on March 1, 2025. This music workshop offers a unique opportunity for members to learn, grow, and share their passion for music and community with others. Under the guidance of gospel music virtuoso, Ananias “Markey” Montague, you’ll experience the rich traditions of gospel music while connecting with other members of the CSULB and Long Beach community. 

Ananias’s dedication to community leadership is rooted in his upbringing in an educator's household. His father, a school teacher, exemplified the importance of mentorship, often including students without fathers in family outings to serve as a role model. Inspired by this legacy, Ananias actively mentors African American men, ensuring they receive guidance and support. His journey in music has been shaped by numerous mentors who have encouraged him to explore his potential beyond the confines of Gospel music. Through community projects and collaborations in the fine arts, Ananias showcases his versatile talents and commitment to enriching his community, incorporating the belief that those who have been given much have a responsibility to give back. 

Ananias's ultimate vision is to establish a Performing Arts school that addresses the longstanding neglect of fine arts in the education system, often sidelined by low funding and overshadowed by other departments. This school will prioritize fine arts education and be accessible to communities nationwide. Over the past twenty years, Ananias has nurtured his passion for fine arts beyond his church involvement, with a love for music that has continually reignited throughout different phases of his life. The most significant influences on his career have come from community partnerships. Collaborations with symphonies, theaters, and performing arts organizations have allowed him to enhance his outreach, expand resources, and cultivate new ideas. 

To Ananias, a Black Scholar is someone who actively seeks knowledge and, in turn, inspires and educates the next generation. He believes that to enhance educational success for people of color, it is crucial to make these opportunities visible and accessible to the community. By presenting resources authentically, he aims to empower those who may be unaware of what is available to them. Ananias is particularly excited about connecting with students at the Community Workshop on Monday, February 24, 2025, and facilitating the Gospel Concert on Saturday, March 1, 2024. Gospel Music Week aims to foster fellowship within the community and strengthen the relationship between the university and those it serves. 

Black Health Professions Organization

By Monet Jenkins

We’re excited to introduce the Black Health Professions Organization (BHPO), one of the newest Black organizations at CSULB. BHPO was established to support Black students pursuing careers in health and medicine. Zoe Hosea, the president and founder of BHPO, transferred to CSULB this past spring as a pre-nursing major. During Week of Welcome, she noticed a lack of Black representation at the health tables, which inspired her to initiate change. 

In just the first two months of the school year, BHPO has organized a range of engaging events for students. To kick off October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they participated in the Susan G. Women Breast Cancer Walk in Los Angeles, showing support for those battling breast cancer. Additionally, BHPO hosted an informational session about becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in California, while also crafting cards for children facing illnesses in local Long Beach hospitals. They also collaborated with the Black Campus Ministry to host a roller skate night, providing students with a fun mental break from their studies. BHPO meets bi-weekly and welcomes all students—not just those in health majors—to connect, explore interests in the field, and promote awareness of mental and physical health issues in the Black community. 

As a new organization, BHPO faces the challenge of defining its mission among many similar campus groups, but they are committed to fostering lasting relationships with these organizations. Some Black organizations BHPO is interested in connecting with are Sisterfriends and the Black Business Student Association (BBSA). Both Sisterfriends and BHPO create safe spaces for discussions about physical and mental well-being. By partnering with BBSA, BHPO aims to offer workshops focused on résumé building and LinkedIn preparation. 

There are several ways to support BHPO’s growth, such as attending their events and contributing through donations. Over the next two years, BHPO is focused on expanding its presence so more students can engage with the organization and ultimately collaborate with other schools on events, conferences, and social activities. We’re excited to spread awareness about this new organization and look forward to witnessing its success in the health field. 

To stay updated with BHPO, follow their Instagram @csulb.bhpo and join their BHPO Discord.

“We find joy in the beauty of the butterfly, but often overlook the changes it underwent to become that beauty. Saying goodbye is part of that transformation.”

~ Maya Angelou 

By Chloe Thomas

When I first started as an editor for the Black Scholars Newsletter, I was excited to gain experience with writing and promoting community events. I eagerly awaited every event, anticipating the stories I would record and retell. As time went on, I grew to understand the strength of the community I was now representing. Over the past year I have worked with the Black Scholars Program, I have grown in more ways than I can count. The Black Scholars program is so much bigger than our newsletter and gala. This role has allowed me to not only advance my professional skills but also to step up as a student leader. 

Being involved in this community, I have met incredible leaders, advocates and mentors. Every interaction has inspired me to engage with the Black community at Cal State Long Beach and in the greater Long Beach area. By becoming more in tune with the community, I have come to better understand and anticipate its needs, using my position to influence events, and initiatives that help support those needs. 

Being a Black Scholars Newsletter Editor has truly been a transformative experience, inspiring a change in me for the better. This month, I will be transitioning out of my role as the newsletter editor. While this marks the end of my time writing to you, I will continue to cherish the memories created in this community and will carry the lessons I’ve learned here with me always. 

“Though my time here has ended, I want you to know that in my final days, you inspired me. You gave me hope for the next chapter of our story when you used your power to make a difference.” ~ John Lewis 

Color Me Queer

Finley Perry (They/Them), is a Black, queer, Disabled, and now Alumnus of Cal State Long Beach who received their bachelor's degree in Linguistics in May 2023. Chanda Moore (She/They) completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in December 2023. During her time on campus, she was also a board member of the Black Business Student Association (BBSA), Black/Pan-African Graduate Association, a member of the Black Leadership Council and other student organizations. Caleb Edwards (They/Them) is a 5th year English Creative Writing major with a minor in Chinese language and culture. 

Chanda Moore stated “in the aftermath of the pandemic, injustices against people of color, and anti-LGBT legislation brought the need for community and belonging to the forefront of our minds. We needed safe spaces to congregate and be ourselves. After having similar conversations with other queer students of color we realized that we needed to create a space for ourselves. After several conversations, Finley and I both approached Brenden Cashatt the former Assistant Director of the LGBT Resource Center on Campus who led us to Paul Carter the Assistant Director of the Black Resource Center. Color Me Queer falls under the umbrella of the Office of Belonging and Inclusion. Since the Fall of 2022, we have had over 130 students, faculty, or staff attend one of our meetings. With community support and word-of-mouth advertisement, we aim to continue to provide safe spaces.   

Anonymous students' experiences from end of semester survey noted the following: 

“It matters a lot to me that there's a queer POC safe space on campus. It feels very safe compared to other multicultural spaces I've been in.” 

“Having a community for the intersection of being both a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a person of color is invaluable” 

“I love this space and I am very thankful that we had the opportunity to create a safe place for QTBIPOC folx on campus. I have been able to share and connect with others.” 

Color Me Queer meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month. We welcome those who identify within the intersections of the 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC realms. We can be found on Instagram @colormequeercsulb. For questions and inquiries please contact Paul Carter via email at paul.carter@csulb.edu or email colormequeercsulb@gmail.com.

Arts Highlight

By Kayla Brooks

On Saturday, October 12th, 2024, I had the pleasure of joining my colleagues at the Carpenter Center on campus for a live dance performance by A.I.M, directed by the company’s founder, Kyle Abraham. Established in 2006, A.I.M—short for Abraham in Motion—is a collective dedicated to showcasing dance works that tell the stories of Black and Queer culture. The performance, created in collaboration with artists from various disciplines, connects a sensual and provocative vocabulary, with a strong emphasis on music, video, and visual art. 

The performance explored themes of friendship, romance, self-love, resilience, and growth. My personal favorite, “Someday Soon,” was choreographed by the award-winning professional dancer Keerati Jinakunwiphat. It exemplified A.I.M’s core values, which include authenticity and developing a unique voice, striving for excellence as historically oppressed people, supporting one another, and maintaining integrity. The dancers moved with passion and devotion. It was truly captivating to witness how their bodies moved to convey a story. Every aspect of the performance was well crafted, from the costume design to the production and music. I thoroughly enjoyed the visuals and props that enhanced a performance already brought to life by the talented dancers. 

Additionally, I had the opportunity to ask Keturah Stephens, one of the dancers who I found especially charming and skilled, a question after her solo performance. I asked, “I know that dance is one of your forms of self-expression. But, if you could translate your performance into words, what would they be?” She gave me a smile and replied, “This may sound cliché, but I would describe it as me. Dance is a part of who I am. As I grow, my love for it deepens. My solo reflects the emotions I experience as a Black female dancer, and I pour all of my joy, pain, and yearning into every performance.” 

I am truly looking forward to seeing another performance by A.I.M. It was a pleasure to experience the beauty of dance through the perspective of someone who shares similar struggles reflected in the stories exuded through these dances. 

To get information about upcoming A.I.M performances or learn more about their mission please visit: https://www.aimbykyleabraham.com/community#intro and follow them on Instagram @aimbykyleabraham

The Art of Healthy Eating

By Mark Kelly

Thank you all for submitting your Ayurveda related questions to the editorial staff. On occasion I will respond to queries that have been reviewed by the editorial staff and presented for my feedback. It is encouraging to discover that members of the Black Scholar Newsletter community are taking an active interest in improving their health and that of their friends and family. Only you can do it so keep to it!

Question #1 - How and why did you believe Ayurveda to be a system worth researching?

When I first discovered Ayurveda, it piqued my interest because it offers a comprehensive approach to mental and physical health, and considers the influence of the spirit on the state of the body. At the time I had been practicing the physical postures of yoga (asana) for about a decade and the thought of a parallel system that specifically addressed the human body made me lean in to discover more.

Yoga and Ayurveda are sister sciences that developed in the Indu Valley region of India, more than 5000 years ago. Knowledge, concepts, and details of these practices were passed orally from generation to generation until the development of the Sanskrit language, which originated around 1500 BCE. This is when the Vedas, also known as “the books of wisdom” were compiled by rishis, known to be spiritually enlightened leaders in their community. No one knows for certain how the rishis came by this knowledge that improved the health of people in their society but by 400 C.E. Ayurvedic wisdom spread across boarders from India to Indonesia, providing a foundation for Chinese medicine along the way. It’s concepts further spread throughout Persia, Egypt, Somalia, Greece, Rome, and parts of Europe.

Why had I never heard of this science? Why was it not practiced as part of our healthcare system? Some of the concepts related to prevention and diet are so foundational, why was this perspective not taught to children and adults alike to cut out the seeds of chronic disease before they have a chance to take root? I had so many questions that needed to be answered. I began to read articles and books on Ayurveda and even participated in a few workshops on the topic. However, it was not until the pandemic that I made it a priority to take my research to the next level by enrolling in a comprehensive certificate program at Southern California University of Health Sciences in Whittier, California.

You don’t have to become a scholar of Ayurveda to manage your own health. In fact, one of the most amazing benefits of Ayurvedic medicine is that it encourages you to take responsibility for your own health outcomes by consciously leveraging your diet, lifestyle, and associated behaviors to expand your healthspan. Once you determine your Prakriti (birth constitution) and current Vikruti (imbalance constitution) you have the keys to move towards a balanced life.

News Highlights

Black Men Read Project 2025

This video montage, hosted by Proffesor Tyrone C. Howard, highlights elements of Project 2025 that may be of concern to members of the Black community.

Events and Programs

These three paintings by Sandra Charles—“Grandma’s Vote,” “My Vote,” and “Her Vote”—illustrate the significance of Black women’s voting power. In “Her Vote,” the subject stands beside a polling place, indicated by the sign behind her, and wears a red, white, and blue bandana, showcasing her patriotism for the United States. The second painting, “My Vote,” portrays a woman in front of signs that may represent both the political right and left. The final piece, “Grandma’s Vote,” features an elderly woman in front of signs related to voting issues, such as voting rights and identification. Together, these images emphasize the critical role and influence of Black women’s votes, which have historically been pivotal in elections. In 2020, over two-thirds of Black women participated in voting, marking the third highest turnout rate among any race-gender group. We encourage you to head towards the polls this election season and make a difference, honoring those before us who fought for our right to make these decisions.