CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
BLACK SCHOLARS NEWSLETTER
November 5, 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
| | | Welcoming Our New Black Scholars Team | | | | Meet Toi Glover, a first-year Journalism major at CSULB, who is also joining our Black Scholars Team as a Co-Editor for the Black Scholars Newsletter. Toi has a passion for public speaking and enjoys transforming her thoughts into writing. Since writing is her passion, her career goals include working as a journalist for major news outlets. | | Meet SaRai Sherman, a third-year majoring in business and information systems in Cal State Long Beach and a new member of the Black Scholars Team. SaRai is a multifaceted, hardworking, and passionate student who takes pride in her leadership role on campus and her commitment to uplifting the community at The Beach. | | |
From Black Scholars to Building Community
Through Public Service
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By Emmanuel Okereke
Kayla Brooks ‘23, a proud CSULB alumna and former member of the Black Scholars team, is a shining example of how education, opportunity and community service intersect to create a lasting impact. As a recent fellow in the Long Beach Public Service Corps (LBPSC), Kayla has transformed her drive for service and equity into tangible change for the youth and underserved populations of Long Beach.
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About the Long Beach
Public Service Corps
| The Long Beach Public Service Corps (LBPSC), which was created in alignment with Mayor Rex Richardson’s priorities, is a citywide initiative designed to foster economic inclusion and build pathways to public service for local students and recent graduates. The program is funded by a $2.5 million grant from California Volunteers, with additional support from the City of Long Beach, which includes a $300,000 allocation from the 2024 city budget. | | | | | NAACP Freedom Fund Gala Recap | A night full of culture, liveliness, and connection; those are the words that best describe the NAACP Gala. Being surrounded by success and accomplished individuals, especially those who resemble you, brings a feeling of hope, inspiration, and pride. As a freshman jumpstarting my passion in journalism, that night left a permanent mark on me. It gave me a glimpse into the kind of change I can make, both in my life and in the lives of others. | | | | |
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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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. | | |
Save the Date:
Black Alumni Reception
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Join us for the Black Alumni Reception, a special evening celebrating the launch of our new Black Alumni Group! Connect with fellow alumni, students, and community members as we honor Black excellence, share stories, and build lasting connections. Enjoy light refreshments, good music, and inspiring conversations as we kick off this exciting new chapter together.
Black Alumni RSVP
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Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: CSULB Alumni Center
Beach Drive, Long Beach 90815
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CSULB Events and Programs
| | Sisterfriends is a welcoming space for connection, encouragement, and growth. Meeting every Thursday, Sisterfriends offers a chance to share experiences, build community, and uplift one another throughout the college journey. | | |
Dates: Thursdays, November 6, 13, & 20, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: Brotman Hall 226
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Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time: 12:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: College of Business Room 139A
Scan the QR Code above to purchase your ticket!
| | Black Student Union: Black Consciousness Conference | |
One of BSU's biggest annual events, the Black Consciousness Conference is returning once again this semester! For the 45th annual conference we will be exploring the self expression, innovation, and cultural rebirth through our theme "Black Renaissance: Black Beyond Survival". We will hosting workshops, panels from local leaders and activists, speakers, and a TALENT SHOW!
Food will be free and provided by Dillians Caribbean Grill Food Truck.
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Get free one-on-one consultations, every Monday for open and supportive conversations on mental health with a Dr. Shelly. These weekly talks provide guidance, coping tools, and a safe space to discuss the challenges and strengths of the Black student experience.
Register for a consultation here
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Dates: Mondays, November 10, & 17. 2025
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Zoom
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Native American Heritage
Month Events
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Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with the Office of Belonging and Inclusion and American Indian Student Council for their events highlighting living traditions, history, culture, and much more!
Check out these upcoming events:
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Community Events and Programs
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Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: Bixby Knolls, Long Beach
| | First Friday at Bixby Knolls | Join us at our annual Día de Los Muertos celebration at First Fridays on Friday, November 7. Expect live Mariachi music, art pop-ups, and a chance to honor loved ones at our community ofrenda. Come celebrate this beloved tradition with your neighbors; a night of music, memory, and magic awaits! | | | Small Business Saturday in Belmont Shore | |
Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country and is part of the larger Shop Small Movement.
And to make your shopping experience even better - Enjoy FREE PARKING on 2nd Street all day!
Looking for ideas? Belmont Shore is home to 28 blocks of businesses with tons of unique gift items for your loved ones.
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Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Location: 5200 E 2nd St, Long Beach
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Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: 6301 Myrtle Ave, Long Beach 90805
| | Kwanzaa Experience Volunteer | |
Celebrate, learn, and give back! Kwanzaa is a meaningful celebration of African heritage, community, and culture. It's a time when families and communities come together to honor their roots, values, and principles.
You have the opportunity to be a part of this incredible celebration by volunteering. Not only will you get to experience Kwanzaa firsthand, but you'll also play a vital role in making this event a success!
Sign-Up Here
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