CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
BLACK SCHOLARS' NEWSLETTER
Aug 21 2026
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 Scholars and Black Resource Center Highlight | | | | Celebrating a Legacy of Strength in Unity | |
By Tracy Kelly
Our work continues to make a meaningful impact. Just recently, the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund awarded 13 scholarships to deserving students. As anyone involved in the review process can attest, selecting recipients is never an easy task. Each application reflects a student who has demonstrated resilience, excellence, leadership, and determination in the face of challenges.
Recently, I spent some time with Dr. Keith Claybrook and Professor Chimbuko Tempo learning more about Ujamaa, the fourth principle of Kwanzaa's Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles. Ujamaa is commonly translated as Cooperative Economics and emphasizes the importance of sharing resources, supporting one another's growth, investing in our communities, and creating opportunities that benefit future generations.
The more I reflected on Ujamaa, the more I realized that it perfectly describes the purpose of the Black Alumni Scholarship Gala.
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The Black Excellence Experience (BEE) provided incoming students with an opportunity to build community, develop meaningful relationships, and begin their CSULB journey with a strong foundation of support. Through engaging activities, conversations, and connections with peers, faculty, staff, and mentors, students were welcomed into a space that celebrated their identities, encouraged personal growth, and reinforced the importance of belonging. The experience served as a powerful introduction to the Black Beach community and the many resources available to help students succeed.
Through this program students shared that they plan to contribute to the Black Beach community by showing up as listeners, connectors, and motivators.
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By SaRai Sherman
As part of Long Beach's monthly First Fridays celebration, the Black Scholars Program team had the opportunity to explore the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (AACCLB) and visit its newest exhibition, Black Cowboys: More Than a Myth. The exhibit highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Black cowboys to the American West and celebrates a rich history that is frequently left out of mainstream narratives.
One of the highlights of the evening was meeting Cowgirl Chanel, a first-generation English and Western rider featured in the exhibit. Chanel's journey into horseback riding began right here in Long Beach when she was 20 years old.
| | Out n About on First Fridays | | Exploring Greater Long Beach Black-Owned Businesses: A Guide for CSULB Students | | |
By Z'nya Spears
Did you know August is nationally known as Black Owned Business Month?
Every August, National Black Business Month recognizes the contributions of Black entrepreneurs and encourages communities to support Black-owned businesses.
As students, most of our time is spent bouncing between classes, study sessions, and grabbing a quick bite to eat. In recognition of National Black Business Month, we encourage the CSULB community to explore Black-owned cafés and coffee shops throughout the greater Long Beach area. First established in 2004 to celebrate and support Black entrepreneurship, National Black Business Month highlights the important role Black-owned businesses play in strengthening local economies and creating opportunities within their communities.
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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 below 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 to become a Black Scholars Volunteer!
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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. | | 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. | | | | | | 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 | | | | New Around the Corner: Do you know what's on campus? | Week of Welcome is your chance to kick off the semester by meeting new friends, discovering campus resources, and connecting with student organizations. Join the fun and start building your CSULB community by registering for WOW events throughout the week! 🌊🎉 | | |
Join us at Kusanyiko, our annual Black Cultural Welcome, for an opportunity to connect with the communities, people, and resources that support student success at CSULB. Meet fellow students, faculty, staff, and student organizations, learn about valuable campus resources, enjoy food and cultural activities, and begin building meaningful connections that can help you thrive throughout your college journey. Whether you're new to campus or returning, Kusanyiko is a space to find community, celebrate culture, and feel at home at The Beach.
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Date: Tuesday, September 8th, 2026
Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Speaker's Platform outside the bookstore
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Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Center of Black Student Excellence 1022 E. Market St, Long Beach CA 90805
| | Back to School Celebration | |
Join the Center of Black Student Excellence and Long Beach Unified School District on August 22, 2026, for the 5th Annual Black Student Achievement Initiative Symposium and Welcome Back 2 School Celebration. Centered on the theme, "Rooted in Sankofa, Unlocking the Future," this community event connects students and families with valuable educational resources, meaningful relationships, and opportunities for success.
Attendees can participate in breakout sessions, panel discussions, a parent engagement session, and hear from guest speaker Superintendent David Zaid. With free lunch, school supplies, and community resources available, this event serves as a welcoming space to invest in students today while inspiring and empowering future generations.
| | Beach Scholarship Workshops | |
Join us for this workshop series to learn how to maximize scholarship opportunities, strengthen your applications, and connect with resources that support your academic success. Discover the benefits of becoming a Black Scholars member and engaging with the Black Resource Center (BRC), where students gain access to mentorship, community, leadership development, academic support, and a network dedicated to help students thrive at CSULB.
Date: Tuesday, September 8th - September 22, 2026
Start Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Psychology Building Room 306
| | | Community Events and Programs | | Superintendent Zaid Learning Survey for Long Beach Unified School District | Have a voice in shaping the future of local education by participating in Superintendent Zaid’s Listening & Learning Tour. This survey provides an opportunity for students, families, and community members to share their insights, priorities, and hopes for the future, helping guide decisions that support our schools and community. Complete the form and make your perspective part of the conversation. | | | Want more details? Email: blackscholars@csulb.edu | | |
The Long Beach NAACP is now accepting applications for its Continuing Education Scholarship Program, which supports Long Beach college students in pursuing their academic goals. Interested students should review the application requirements and submit a complete application packet by August 30, 2026. We strongly encourage all eligible students to apply and take advantage of this opportunity for educational support.
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Join us at the Carpenter Center for Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, and producer Bilal.
Tickets available here
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Artist: Shaylen
Title: Water Mixable Oil Painting of Chase Infiniti
Where to find it: Art by Shaylen
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