Before the Walk: A Celebration of Community
An underrated event hosted by the Black Scholars slipped past our recognition this past month, yet its impact was deeply felt by all who attended. Created to honor the donors and supporters of both the Black Alumni Network and its scholarship, alumni, faculty, and sponsors were invited to experience California State University Long Beach’s Black Grad celebration in a more intimate and meaningful way.
The pre-grad reception offered alumni more than just a chance to reconnect; it created space for reflection, pride, and shared memory. Standing back on the same campus where their journeys once unfolded, many were reminded of the challenges they overcame, the community that uplifted them, and the legacy they now carry forward. What was once a digital connection coming to life in person, filled with laughter, storytelling, and a renewed sense of belonging.
Moments like these reinforce that graduation is not the end of the journey, but a continuation of community. Events like the pre-grad reception inspire alumni to stay engaged whether by showing up, giving back, or simply remaining connected, so that together, we can continue building spaces that affirm, celebrate, and expand the Black experience in Long Beach.
