CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH

BLACK SCHOLARS' NEWSLETTER

July 30 2026


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

 

Meet the Editors

SaRai Sherman

SaRai Sherman

Z'nya Spears

Z'nya Spears

To get more announcements, and stay up to date with community events and opportunities, follow us on Instagram @csulbblackscholars
July Banner

Articles

Tracy Kelly
Group of Black Scholars students.


The Power of Community: Welcoming the Next Generation of Black Scholars

By Tracy Kelly


Even before the fall semester begins, I have the privilege of meeting many of our incoming first-year, first time and transfer students through the 3rd Annual Black Excellence Experience (BEE).Designed to help students begin their journey at California State University, Long Beach with confidence, connection and support, BEE provides an opportunity to build meaningful relationships before the academic year starts. Participants meet fellow students, connect with faculty and staff mentors, explore campus resources and gain valuable insight into college life ahead of their first day of classes. 


One of the most valuable aspects of BEE is its emphasis on networking, mentorship and belonging. Lately, I've had the pleasure of speaking with many Black alumni from the 1970s during the Black Graduation pre-reception and while preparing for the upcoming Black Alumni Scholarship Gala, which will be held at the Linden Club on Saturday, October 10. As they share stories of their time at CSULB and in the broader community, a common theme consistently emerges: the power of connection. 


Read the full article here

Campus News

New Dean Brings 20 Years of Inclusive Leadership to College of Health and Human Services

By SaRai Sherman


CSULB recently welcomed a new leader to the College of Health and Human Services. Dr. Jennifer A. Wade-Berg joins the university with a strong commitment to student success, collaboration, and inclusive leadership. Read an excerpt from the university's announcement below.


Dr. Wade-Berg shared, “It is an honor to step into this role and partner with such an exceptional community of faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders. I look forward to building on the college’s strong foundation to advance a shared vision and cannot wait to begin this new chapter together.”

Read the full article here


Dr. Jennifer A. Wade-Berg

CSULB Students Have a Chance to Be Featured on TV

College Tour promotional graphic.

By SaRai Sherman


CSULB has been selected to appear in Season 18 of The College Tour, an award-winning television series that streams on Amazon Prime and showcases colleges and universities from across the country. The episode will highlight what makes the Beach unique through the voices and experiences of CSULB students.  


Student casting is currently underway, and students are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to represent CSULB on a global platform. The production team is looking for students who can speak about topics such as campus life, Beach Pride, housing, health and wellness, career preparation, internships, and what inspired them to choose CSULB. 


Applications are due August 7. Filming is scheduled to take place on campus in September, and the episode is expected to air in June 2027.    


Ready to share your story?

Click the link to apply! 


Black Scholars Program

Newsletter Highlights
Newsletter Highlights promotional graphic.

Newsletter Highlight Form 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 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!

Black Scholars Volunteer promotional graphic.
Network Banner

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.

Interest Flyer for submission of an article.

Click Here to submit articles

 Black Scholars Team

Click here to apply

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

Black Scholars students at graduation.

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.


Community Events and Programs

Job search masterclass event promotional graphic.

CDC: Job Search Masterclass

Date: August 04, 2026

Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Location: Virtual RSVP Link


Are you looking for guidance in your job search? Attend this virtual session to learn job search best practices.


 

Resume essential event promotional graphic.

CDC: Resume Essentials Workshops

Date: August 06, 2026

Time: 12:00 - 1:00PM

Location: Virtual RSVP Link


Attend this virtual workshop to learn how to use Job scan, the Career Development Center's new resume tool that can help increase your chances of getting interviews by 50%.

 

Uptown Jazz festival promotional graphic.

Date: August 1, 2026

Time: 2:00 - 7:00 pm

Location: Houghton Park Long Beach, CA


15th Uptown Annual Jazz Festival by Dr. Joni

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon for music, culture, and community at the 15th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival - one of North Long Beach's most anticipated summer traditions. Since 2011, this celebrated event has united thousands of residents and visitors through the timeless sounds of jazz, vibrant local culture, and family-friendly entertainment.


RSVP for this event here


Exhibit Black Cowboys: More than a Myth

Black Cowboy Heritage Exhibition: Honoring the History of the West

Join the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach for the Black Cowboy Heritage Exhibition, a special event celebrating the rich history, culture, and lasting contributions of Black cowboys in shaping the American West.



Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of a legacy that is often overlooked but remains an important part of American history. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to honor the resilience, achievements, and cultural impact of Black cowboys across generations.


Link to Website here


Black Cowboys: More than a Myth event flyer.

Opening Date: August 7, 2026

Time: 11-4:00 pm

Location: African American Cultural Center of Long Beach, CA, 90807 (Inside EXPO Cultural Center)

Long Beach Food Scene Week

Long Beach Food Scene Week is a 10-day celebration of the city's culinary creativity, hospitality professionals, and front-of-house talent. From July 31 to August 9, restaurants across Long Beach will showcase exclusive dishes, prix-fixe menus, R&D specials, and inventive twists on classic favorites—offering food lovers a unique taste of the city's vibrant dining scene.


Click Here for the Restaurant Week


Long Beach Food Scene  Week 2026 promotional graphic.

Dates: Friday, July 31, 2026 - Sunday, August 9, 2026

Scene from the deep sea opera.

Dates: Saturday, August 1 - Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Location: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802


Free Ticket link: Here

A deep-sea Opera for Families

Join in the fun with the Long Beach Opera for performances of 'Acquaprofonda' a 30-minute ocean-themed opera in the Pacific Visions theater. Enjoy engaging activities before and after the performance, for ages 7 and up.


Admission to the Aquarium is not included. Guests are respondible for their own parking.

Join us at the Carpenter Center for Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, and producer Bilal.

Tickets available here

Bilal Concert promotional graphic for September 24.

Artistic Entry

Artist: Sienna Jori

Title: All Dolled Up

Where to find it: SiennaJori.com

Painting by Sierra Jori featuring three women with a pink background.

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