On April 23, 2022 we celebrated our 2nd annual CSULB (California State University Long Beach) Black Alumni Gala. Our VIP Donors and Sponsors gathered at the gala’s pre-event at Gladstone’s restaurant in Long Beach to connect and celebrate another opportunity to raise funds for our Black Scholars. After a brief program, we proceeded to watch the virtual gala together.
Our beautiful program featured Maxine Waters and Denise Smith Young as keynote speakers. They gave us the opportunity to hear their powerful voices on our platform and told personal stories of triumph. Both women spoke passionately about the importance of supporting Black students while on their college journey and their pride about how they are building a community that does just that.
Our honorees Carl Kemp, Rashida Crutchfield, Steven Neal, and Naomi Rainey spoke about the importance of staying present in our community and offering expertise within their fields. During the program we were inspired, shared laughs, and lots of gratitude for everyone that worked together to help us reach our goals.
This year’s gala has been a success even though we are just shy of reaching our $100,000 goal. Everyone worked hard to ensure that we were able to produce this program to support our students. John Hamilton and Tracy Kelly continue to persevere to provide our students with resources and opportunities to advance. The gala is one of the many events created by these two for community outreach and student support. Their idea to create this scholarship has really manifested into a family that cares deeply about its students.
As a proud Black Scholar, I am honored to have been chosen to be a part of this community. Being a scholarship recipient has allowed me to focus more time on planning my future rather than worrying about the present. And being a part of the Black Alumni Scholarship committee has granted me the opportunity to assist students like me that are, “Grateful for this scholarship”, “Express much gratitude for the community”, and are “prepared to pay it forward”.
To the Black Scholar's community, thank you. It is because of you that we have completed yet another successful CSULB Black Alumni Gala and we are so excited to see you all again next year. If you were unable to join us on April 23rd, please watch the virtual event below and support us by donating using the link below.
