CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
BLACK SCHOLARS' NEWSLETTER
May 22, 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
| | | Farmers and Merchants Highlight | | The Black Scholars team would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Farmers and Merchants Bank for their continued support and partnership. Their generosity has played an important role in the growth and advancement of our program. Farmers and Merchants Bank has proudly served as a sponsor of the Black Alumni Scholarship Gala for the past six years, and their commitment has allowed us to host the annual fundraising event that is filled with celebration, connection, and community. | | Sport Highlight Mental Health Month Highlights | | | | What is Mental Health Month? | |
By Toi Glover
May is dedicated to honoring and giving respect to mental health. It is a time when people recognize the weight mental health has on both an individual and a community. It is also a month that encourages people to take a break and breathe before stress or sadness consumes them. Although mental health should be prioritized every day, it is important to understand why May is the month that brings awareness to mental health.
| | Toi Glover CAPS Experience | |
By Toi Glover
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I made the decision to begin my therapy journey again. Therapy isn’t new to me. I spent a year in it before returning, but I’ve learned that growth doesn’t stop just because we age or think we’ve “worked through” certain things. As life keeps moving, moments arise that quietly, or abruptly, shift our perspective. Some of those moments sit heavy and deserve to be unpacked thoughtfully. For me, therapy is the safest and most effective space to do exactly that.
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By Toi Glover
Meet Louis Williams. He is a two-time graduate of California State University, Long Beach. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Communication Studies with a minor in Africana Studies, before returning to CSULB to complete his master’s degree in counseling with an emphasis on Student Development and Higher Education. Williams has been recognized as a 49 Under 49 honoree for his dedication to giving back to the community and will serve as the keynote speaker at CSULB’s 2026 Black Graduation Celebration.
| | CSULB and Black Scholars 2026 Melanin Brunch | |
By Toi Glover
On Friday, April 24, 2026, the Black Scholars team, in partnership with the Black Resource Center, hosted its fifth annual Melanin Brunch. This year’s gathering drew inspiration from Bridgerton, the popular series known for blending Regency-era elegance with modern and diverse storytelling. Through vibrant florals, soft spring hues, and classical contemporary music, guests were transported into their own Bridgerton society for a few enchanting hours.
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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 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 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. | | 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. | | Click Here to submit articles | | | | | 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 Events and Programs
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Date: Monday-Friday
Time: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Brotman Hall 226
Contact: 562-985-4001
| | Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) | CAPS is here to support students’ mental and emotional well‑being. Through counseling groups and practical workshops, CAPS provides a safe, confidential space to learn coping skills, connect with others, and navigate life’s challenges. | |
Community Events and Programs
| | Grant Long Beach Public Service Corps 2026 | The City of Long Beach Department of Economic Development & Opportunity (EDO) is now accepting applications for the fourth cohort of the Long Beach Public Service Corps Program (LBPSC), a civic service initiative designed to build a pipeline of diverse, local talent committed to serving their communities. Through immersive placements in City departments, fellows contribute to real projects that advance Long Beach’s priorities while gaining meaningful experience in public service. Applications are available online through Tuesday, June 9, 2026. | | |
Deadline: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Time: 11:59 PM
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Last Day to Visit: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Location: 4321 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach 90807
| | African American Cultural Center of Long Beach | JOIN US! "A Seat at the Table" pays tribute to the nine trailblazing women who have served as Harbor Commissions. The exhibit dates are May- June 27, 2026. | | | Jack and Jill of America Scholarship | The Long Beach Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated and Orange County Uplift Foundation endeavor to assist in funding the pursuit of higher education. | | |
Deadline: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Time: 11:59 PM
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Deadline: Monday, June 1, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM
Apply Today
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This grant opportunity is designed to uplift and invest in young, talented Black youth who are interested in starting a nonprofit of business. The selected awardee will receive a one-time cash grant, along with 18 months of mentorship and access to our incubators of industry leaders.
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