Celebrating a Legacy of Strength in Unity
As the fall semester begins and our campus comes alive with new energy, many people have asked how my transition into the role of Interim Assistant Director of the Black Resource Center has been going. While my responsibilities have certainly expanded, one thing has not changed: my passion for the Black Scholars Program and the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund remains as strong as ever.
In many ways, this new role has reinforced what I have always believed: our students achieve their greatest success when they are surrounded by a community that cares about their growth and believes in their potential. Every day, I am reminded that the accomplishments of our students are made possible by a village of faculty, staff, alumni, families, community partners, and supporters who choose to invest in their journey.
That spirit of collective support is the inspiration behind this year's 6th Annual Black Alumni Scholarship Gala, themed "Celebrating a Legacy of Strength in Unity." After much planning and with great anticipation, we are excited to officially announce that the gala will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Linden Club (formerly known as the Petroleum Club.
) in Long Beach.
This year's theme honors the generations of students, alumni, educators, community leaders, and families whose commitment to one another has created opportunities that continue to transform lives today. As we celebrate our collective achievements, we also recognize our responsibility to pave the way for those who will follow.
I am especially pleased to share that CSULB President, Dr. Loren Blanchard will serve as our keynote speaker. We also look forward to announcing this year's outstanding honorees in the coming weeks. Their leadership, service, and commitment to uplifting others exemplify what it means to build a lasting legacy through unity and collective action.
Whether you have made a financial contribution, participated in one of our programs, served as a mentor, connected students with employment opportunities, shared scholarship resources, or simply encouraged a student during a difficult moment, you have helped make a difference. I see the impact every day. I see it in students who are finding their voice as leaders. I see it in the confidence they develop as they build relationships and expand their networks. Most importantly, I see it in their growing belief that they belong and that their success matters.
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. At its core, the event is about more than raising money for scholarships. It is about demonstrating what cooperative economics looks like in action. It is about showing them that investing in one another is not simply a charitable act, but a longstanding tradition within our communities. For generations, Black families and communities have pooled resources, shared opportunities, opened doors for others, and created pathways where none previously existed.
That is exactly what happens when someone purchases a gala ticket, sponsors a student, hosts a table, contributes to the scholarship fund, or introduces a student to a professional opportunity. Each act contributes to a larger legacy of collective support and shared success.
Our students are watching. They are learning from our example. They are learning that success is not measured solely by individual achievement, but by our willingness to help others along the way. They are learning that leadership includes service. They are learning that true strength comes from community.
That is why this year's theme, Celebrating a Legacy of Strength in Unity, resonates so deeply. It reflects the values that have sustained our community for generations and reminds us that our greatest accomplishments are achieved together.
As we look ahead to October 10, I invite you to continue being part of that legacy. Please consider supporting the Black Alumni Scholarship Fund by becoming a sponsor, purchasing tickets, or hosting a table for this year's gala.
I can promise you that it will be a special evening. It always is.
Beyond the celebration, the most powerful part of the night is meeting the students whose lives are being changed because people like you choose to invest in their future. Their stories remind us why this work matters and why our commitment must continue.
Together, we are doing more than funding scholarships. We are strengthening our village, practicing Ujamaa, and celebrating a legacy of strength in unity.
Most importantly, we are creating opportunities that will benefit generations to come.
