CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
BLACK SCHOLARS NEWSLETTER
June 13, 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
| | | Black Alumni Scholarship Gala Recap | | |
By Tracy Kelly
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the 5th Annual Black Alumni Gala, held on May 3, 2025, at the Petroleum Club, an unforgettable evening. Whether you sponsored, attended, donated, volunteered, or participated in any way, your contribution helped create a truly spectacular celebration. The energy in the room was electric, filled with joy, pride, and a deep sense of community. It was a privilege to witness our students begin to realize just how much love and support surrounds them. Your presence and generosity sent a powerful message: they are seen, valued, and uplifted by a strong and caring network. We are thrilled to share that this year’s event raised over $127,00.00—a new record for the Gala!
Read More Here
| | Student Business Highlight | | |
Dynasty Reed
"Crochet is my substance—I know that sounds crazy, but it is. The world felt much lighter, and it brought me peace when everything else felt too heavy. It all started as something I did for myself—self-care, as one would put it. Then I had the spark to start sharing it with my peers. The more I shared what I was making, the more people connected with it. I realized that something that brought me peace could maybe do the same for others. That’s what really motivated me to start the business—not just to sell things, but to share that feeling, that comfort, through each piece I create.
As for products, I offer a range of handmade crochet goodies—everything from cozy beanies and cute summer tops to sturdy tote bags and car accessories. I also create crochet flower bouquets, which are one of my most popular products for gifts or special occasions like birthdays, since they’re long-lasting and customizable."
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Tiana Malone
"Tiana Malone originally didn't find crocheting to be of interest to anyone besides elderly people. Her mom was the person who encouraged her to start as she has her own entrepreneur bakery business. Tiana Malone loved tapping into her creative side as an aspiring Fashion Major and began crocheting bears, accessories and clothes. The pieces she creates are a way to express herself and that’s why her business is all about her clothing. She also assists her customers with inspiration from items she's already created along with a color palette to choose from."
| | Student Business Highlight | | | | |
D'Andre Garmon
"What motivated me to start my business was a creative eye to take pictures that highlighted people’s personalities. Often times when people took photos of me, I feel like they wouldn’t capture the emotion or culture behind my photos. So, I wanted to provide that opportunity for everyone. I specialize in creative photography. Not your typical headshots or graduation photos, but photos that make the viewer feel like their taking a dive into someone’s life through pictures."
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Cherise Jackson
“When I started taking photos it was about capturing a glimpse into the different worlds that exist. It became an act of noticing subtle moments and wanting to document my point of view. What motivates me is the more I explore new techniques and styles the more I want people to see memories exist outside of ourselves. I offer portraits, special events and conferences, behind the scenes, graduations, engagements, birthday shoots, and real estate.”
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Instagram: @cj.tteo
email: cherisejackson32@gmail.com
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Dijon Higgins
"What inspired me to start dijonshotz was the strong support system I built at Lakewood High School and within the Long Beach community. As my photography skills developed, I discovered that my passion for capturing moments could also be a business. What began as a creative outlet quickly turned into something meaningful and profitable, fueled by both art and connection. At dijonshotz, I offer a range of photography services including freelance work, studio shoots, and event coverage. I cover graduations, proms, retirement and formal parties, birthdays, maternity shoots, and baby showers—capturing every moment with care and creativity."
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Kyndall Payne
"As a Studio Art major, creativity has always been a core part of who I am. In the summer of 2023, I felt inspired to launch an art page where I could share my digital artwork and document my journey as a college student at CSULB. That motivation sparked the idea for my brand, and after some brainstorming, I came up with the name kyn.aesthetic.
I offer digital custom drawings and photography services. My photography work includes event photography, product photography, portraits, headshots, and graduation sessions."
| | | Student Business Highlight | | |
Rahbyn Lampkin
"I began my hair journey at the age of 14, during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Growing up with a single mother, I often looked for ways to take on responsibilities that could lighten her load. As a Black girl, hair maintenance was definitely high on that list, so I turned it into a new hobby. That hobby quickly became a passion. By 2023, I began taking on clients and building my reputation as a hairstylist. One of my favorite styles to create right now is cornrows. Their versatility makes them feel like a blank canvas where I can fully express my creativity. In the years to come, I hope to continue growing—building unique connections with clients, increasing my skills and clientele, and one day becoming a brand ambassador for hair care products. My chair is more than just a place for hair transformation; it’s a space for empowerment, culture, and connection. I’m building my brand with purpose, rooted in excellence, creativity, and authenticity."
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"I’ve been cutting hair for about 5 years now. I grew up with my dad cutting my hair so I was always familiar with the job, but I didn’t end up starting until around quarantine. I started off with self cuts then as I began getting better more people trusted me to cut their hair.
My favorite haircut to do as of right now would be some sort of wolf cut or texturized mullet. I don’t normally do them very often, so when I do it’s always a fun little challenge that allows me to be more creative. My goals within the next few years is to use my platform as a barber to be able to advocate for men’s mental health. A lot of us may not realize, but barbershops act as a safe space for men to open up and share vulnerable aspects of their life. I’m currently going to school for psychology and plan on going to grad school to become a therapist. I want to leave my mark in the beauty industry by mixing therapy with barbering. My goal is for clients to leave not only looking clean and feeling more confident, but also more enlightened and emotionally aware."
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Shayla Forest
"I’ve been a professional hairstylist for about two years, but my passion for hair started when I was young. I pursued formal education to sharpen my skills and develop the personality and professionalism needed to provide personalized, high-quality service.
Right now, my favorite styles to create are braids of all kinds. Braided hair is not only a beautiful and versatile protective style—it’s also rich in cultural history and creativity, passed down through generations. Looking ahead, my goal is to grow my business and build a strong, loyal clientele. I’m committed to staying in school, keeping up with trends, and offering consistent, standout service. My vision is to carve out a name for myself in the beauty industry by combining creativity, dedication, and a natural talent for hair care you don’t find every day."
| | | Student Business Highlight | | | | |
Maredythe Cooper
"I first got into nails during COVID. My mom had picked up a bunch of nail art supplies, and since I already had a gel lamp, I started experimenting for fun. As I got better, friends and family began asking me to do their nails too.
What really made it special was my grandma—she owned a nail shop before I was born, and when she saw I was serious about it, she started teaching me everything she knew. Doing nails became our thing. Since she passed, it's the one way I still feel really connected to her.
I don’t have a favorite service—it really depends on what’s best for the client. I do both Gel-X sets and gel overlays, and everyone’s nails are different. My goal is always the same: for them to leave with beautiful nails they love."
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Nayeli Martinez
"What inspired me, first and foremost, was my own love for getting my lashes done. It gives me a confidence boost and helps me wake up feeling beautiful every day, and I wanted to share that feeling with others. I was also motivated by well-being and flexibility—as a busy student, having a strict clock-in, clock-out job just doesn’t work with my schedule. I really wanted the freedom to manage my own time and run my own business.
My signature lash look is a light volume cat eye or doll eye, depending on the client’s eye shape. Both styles are classy and pretty—not too much, not too little. The shape I choose really depends on how the client’s eyes turn and what’s most flattering for them. It’s a look that all my clients love, and I love doing it."
| | | Student Business Highlight | | | | |
Lianato Reed
"SZNIUM was born from identity, experience, and a drive to create authentic culture. As Linato Reed grew up, he was often drawn to the community behind skate culture and streetwear, Y2K, and vintage scenes. What started as a hobby became a business, and with that shift came a deeper sense of purpose. That passion for art and storytelling was fueled by his inner child, which continues to shape his brand today. A quote that always sticks with Linato is, “The highest human act is to inspire,” by Nipsey Hussle. That inspiration shows up mainly in his favorite pieces; his posters. They’re his signature, combining raw, collage-style, early 2000s nostalgia with texture and detail. Linato Reed is excited to expand into new styles and items, always staying true to growth, creativity, and the SZNIUM way."
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Samyiah Bryant
"As a fourth-year psychology student with a minor in marketing, I’m passionate about blending my understanding of human behavior with effective marketing strategies to create impactful, results-driven campaigns. I believe that by applying insights from psychology, we can create marketing that not only drives business success but also positively influences the wellbeing of both businesses and consumers. After college, I envision using my digital marketing and design skills to expand my career as a counseling psychologist and educator creating accessible mental health content, building a strong personal brand, and even expanding Socials by Samyiah into a creative agency that empowers purpose-driven brands."
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Ziann Jefferson
"What started as a hobby of making invitations for family events quickly turned into a passion for graphic design, after I created a birthday skating flyer for a friend who encouraged me to offer my designs to others. I’ve always been tech-savvy, and now I love using that skill to bring my clients’ visions to life—often even surprising them (and myself) with the results. It’s rewarding to watch an idea become something real and beautiful. One of my favorite services is creating party flyers, especially animated ones. They’re fun to make and let me add that extra flair to help events stand out."
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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: Friday, June 13, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: 100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, California 90802
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Pride Night at the
Aquarium of the Pacific
| Join us in honoring and uplifting our LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month with a vibrant evening full of celebration, connection, and fun! During Pride Night the Aquarium will be honoring an individual or organization for outstanding community service and promoting diversity awareness. The Aquarium welcomes everyone to this special night of unity and celebration. Let’s come together to honor our diverse communities and work toward a more inclusive future—for people and our planet. | | | |
Long Beach
Juneteenth Celebration
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Join us as we build, educate, and celebrate the community in support of, in and around the older nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Held in Downtown Long Beach filled with entertainment and guest speakers, bring your family and friends to come honor this monumental celebration together.
Purchase Tickets Here
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Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Location: Rainbow Lagoon Park
400 E. Shoreline Drive,
Long Beach, CA 90802
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Date: Sunday, June 15, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Los Angeles Center Studios
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Black on the Block
Juneteenth Celebration
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Join us for our 4 year anniversary and annual Juneteenth celebration featuring150+ Black-owned businesses, food, activities, performances and much more!
Visit Website Here
| | | In honor of African American Music Appreciation Month, the Billie Jean King Main Library in Downtown Long Beach will host Culture and Concerts, a powerful afternoon event celebrating the enduring relationship between music and literature. Curated by Arts Advocate and CEO of Hannibal Media Group, Greg Johnson. This immersive music experience centers “Women in Jazz”, and explores the essential history, artistry, and influence of Black women in jazz as a key touchpoint of Black Music Month. | | |
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Billie Jean King Main Library
200 W. Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802
Tickets are free!
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Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
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Discover Long Beach is a team-based, citywide scavenger hunt. While it is possible to compete using public or alternative transportation, we recommend using a passenger vehicle as the event is designed to take you to all corners of the city in a 4-hour window. We recommend that your team be made up of 3-5 people (enough to safely and legally fill a car) but you don’t need to know all of the members of your team at the time you register.
Purchase Tickets Here
| | | Long Beach City Comissions | |
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson is calling on the "Best and Brightest" across the city to apply to serve on City Commissions. Mayor Richardson has made access to these opportunities a priority and is seeking applicants from across the city to help insure that our Commissions best reflect the communities they serve.
For more information check out this website
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Check out this 12-foot-sculpture by artist Thomas J Price, located in Times Square.
Read more here about how this artist constructed this sculpture with a mixture of Los Angeles and London images and observations.
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