CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH
BLACK SCHOLARS NEWSLETTER
September 14, 2026
The Black Scholars Newsletter shares dynamic, informative and empowering stories that uplift, encourage, and inspire our community.
| | To get more announcements, and stay up to date with community events and opportunities, follow us on Instagram @csulbblackscholars | | | | | |
By Toi Glover
Meet Msgana Melaku, a third-year sociology major with a minor in public relations. She hopes to use her degree to pursue community engagement within education. Msgana chose to attend California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) because she wanted a change of scenery from her home in the Bay Area while still feeling connected to it. She was also drawn to the opportunity to live near the beach.
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By Toi Glover
Meet Chidinma Nwokorie, a third-year political science major with a minor in criminal justice. As a pre-law student, she is passionate about immigration and criminal law and hopes to become a public defender serving underserved communities.
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By Toi Glover
On Friday, August 28, 2026, the Black Alumni Network hosted a welcome event for Cal State University Long Beach’s new president, Dr. Loren J. Blanchard. The memorable evening took place at Montauk, a restaurant in Redondo Beach. The event planner and alumna, Monet Jenkins, ensured that the evening would be filled with conversations, connections, networking, and enjoyment.
| | The Power of Community on Campus | |
By Toi Glover
Walking onto a campus with thousands of students can feel overwhelming. Many incoming students at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) may experience isolation, uncertainty, or wonder where they belong. However, the person who could soon become your best friend might be sitting next to you in class, attending that interesting club, or living in a cultural dorm. Even with the knowledge that there is someone out there willing to join your circle, the challenge is knowing how to put in the effort to find those people. As a student at CSULB, I have learned that building community often begins with simply showing up. This article will provide guidance on how to begin the process of building a strong community.
| | | | | 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. | | 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! | | | | |
Beach Nexus: Black Alumni Network
Connect. Learn. Collaborate.
| | 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. | | | | CSULB Opportunities and Programs | | APID Fall Cultural Welcome | Attend the Cultural Welcomes at The Beach and connect with your cultural communities, fellow CSULB students, staff, faculty, student organizations, and campus resources. Join us to build community, make connections, celebrate culture, and have fun! | | |
Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Location: Speaker's Platform
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Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM
Location: Speaker's Platform
| | Start your Fall semester off by connecting with fellow CSULB students, faculty, and staff! Enjoying free food, games, and prizes while creating lasting connections and building community at The Beach. | | Start your Fall semester off by connecting with fellow CSULB students, faculty, and staff! Enjoying free food, games, and prizes while creating lasting connections and building community at The Beach. | | |
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Speakers Platform
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Date: Tuesday, September 15, 22, 2026
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: PSY-310
| | Beach Scholarship Workshop | 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. | | Resident Assistant (RA) Information Sessions | |
Interested in becoming a Resident Assistant for the 2027-2028 school year?
Be sure to attend one information to become eligible for the application, opening on October 2nd.
| | | Application Timeline: Monday, August 31-Friday, October 2, 2026 | | Become an Ambassador for the President of Cal State University Long Beach | The President’s Ambassadors program is seeking enthusiastic, personable students with excellent interpersonal communication skills to represent the university with the highest levels of professionalism. If you are a strong storyteller who is interested in serving CSULB in this unique role, we encourage you to apply between August 31, 2026, and October 2, 2026. | | Black Alumni Scholarship Gala | Join the California State University, Long Beach community for the 6th Annual Black Alumni Scholarship Gala, a special evening celebrating a Legacy of Strength in Unity. The event will honor outstanding alumni and community leaders while raising support for student scholarships, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Loren Blanchard, President of CSULB, on Saturday, October 10 at the Linden Club in Long Beach. | | |
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: 3636 Linden Ave, Long Beach, 90807
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Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026; Sunday, October 17, 2026; Sunday, October 20, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: BPASH at Parkside H
| | The Black Scholars Financial Workshop | 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. | | Leadership @ The Beach Conference 2026 | Join us on Friday, October 16th for a dynamic day of leadership development, networking, and skill-building with fellow students and professionals. Students who attend the event will receive full credit and earn our Emerging Leaders Certificate, bringing them one step closer to earning the Leadership Cord of Excellence. | | |
Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
Time: 8:30 am- 3:30 PM
Location: Horn Center
Requirements: $5 entry fee
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Date: Wednesday, September 9, through Thursday, December 10, 2026
Time: Monday-Wednesday: 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM, Thursday: 10:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Location: Kleefeild Art Museum
| | Kleefeild Contemporary Art at Cal State University Long Beach | Kleefeild Contemporary Art Museum reopens Wednesday, September 9 through December 10 with new programming and exhibitions! | | 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. | | |
Date: Monday-Friday
Time: 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Location: Brotman Hall 226
Contact: 562-985-4001
| | Community Events and Programs | | International Day of Peace 2026 Conference | The Park Partnerships Office for the City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, would like to cordially invite students to participate in the International Day of Peace Conference being held at the LBCC TTC Campus on Friday, 9/18/26 from 10am-3pm. | | |
Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM
Location: Long Beach Community College
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Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM
Location: Doc 4 near the Aquarium Pacific
| | Join Port of Long Beach for End of Summer Harbor Tour | Mark the end of summer with the Port of Long Beach on Saturday, Sept. 19, by hopping aboard one of three free harbor tours to experience the sights and sounds of the nation’s busiest seaport complex. The tours are first-come, first-served – no reservations. | | Join us at the Carpenter Center for Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, and producer Bilal. | | |
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Carpenter Center
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Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026- Friday, September 25, 2026
| | Volunteer and Participate in The NBMBAA Annual Conference | The National Black MBA Association Annual Conference is an incredible opportunity for students and emerging professionals to network with industry leaders, explore career opportunities, participate in professional development, and engage with a national community of Black professionals and business leaders. Your assistance as a volunteer will be needed as early as Monday, September 21, 2026. | | |
Artist: Shaylen Arzuvlzd
Where to find it: Pinterest
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