CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
BLACK SCHOLARS NEWSLETTER
May 21, 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
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By Monet Jenkins
Meet Ralston Lewars, a third-year Finance major at California State University, Long Beach, who is passionate about using his education to empower others—particularly athletes—through smart financial decision-making. His goal is to become a financial advisor, guiding clients toward long-term success with sound financial planning.
To Ralston, being a Black scholar means having resilience and beating the odds. He believes that increasing the educational success of students of color starts with access to meaningful resources and support systems.
Read More Here
| | Fighting Through the Fire | | |
By Kayla Brooks
On March 22, 2025, I had the pleasure of attending a screening of the documentary Fire on the Hill: The Cowboys of South Central LA, directed by Brett Fallentine, held at our local historic landmark, Rancho Los Cerritos. This film, released on May 8, 2020, observes the lives of three Black men who are cowboys from South Central Los Angeles. It tells a powerful story of adversity, resilience, and a profound love for cowboy culture, capturing each man’s journey in a distinct way. As a result of the powerful and captivating stories shared by the men featured, the documentary has earned several awards, including the LA Muse Award and the Artistic Vision Award from the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.
Read More Here
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The Journey Behind "The Best of All Things"
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By Dr. Somone Washington
I hope that everyone who reads 'The Best Of All Things' will reimagine what it means to leave a legacy—one that saves lives. By sharing my journey and the lessons learned, I aim to inspire readers to take meaningful actions that contribute to the well-being of others. Whether it's through organ donation, supporting those with chronic illnesses, or simply spreading kindness and hope, we all have the ability to create a lasting impact. Let's redefine legacy as a commitment to making a positive difference in the world, one life at a time.
Read More Here
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By Saniya Debose
Hi Beach Family! I’m happy to see you. Thinking back on my time as a member of Associated Students Incorporated with fondness. Helping with the Future U to ensure the best student outcome possible has been a wonderful experience. With that said, I’d love for any of you to consider getting involved in ASI Student Government. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get to know your study body and be involved here. Stay safe. Don’t forget to drink water this summer.
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Learn about how Jessica Pugh, 2010 Alumni, now an executive for Google, learned she could be both self-reliant and part of a culture where people strengthen each other.
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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Application Deadline: Wednesday,
May 28, 2025
| | ASI Student Governement Applications | |
ASI Government Elections and Recruitment is excited to share that the 2025-2026 ASI Student Government applications at LBSU are now open! his is a great opportunity for students interested in a leadership position on campus and in representing the interests of fellow students! If selected, all student government officers also receive a scholarship for their service!
Apply Here
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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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By mychalxngelo
I think myself to sleep once more
and dream of the world beyond the shore
of goals we made in the days of old,
and the roads we’ve paved with blood and gold
to the ones we gained and the things we’ve lost
success has always come with a cost
through the short days, and long nights
the paths we had to walk with faith and not sight
college days swiftly pass,
but the memories we made will always last
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