The 2026 Kusanyiko/ Black Cultural Welcome
On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, the Department of Africana Studies and the Black Scholars Program hosted the annual Kusanyiko/Black Cultural Welcome. Students, faculty, and staff gathered at the Speakers Platform to celebrate culture, connection, and community. More than 300 participants visited CSULB's Black student organizations to learn about their missions and explore opportunities to get involved. Organizations in attendance included the Black Psychology and Wellness Student Association, Caribbean Student Association, Nigerian Student Association, and Black Student Union, among others. Throughout the event, attendees enjoyed cultural dancing, participated in recall activities, listened to student speakers, and connected with one another over a shared meal.
The gathering reflected the meaning of Kusanyiko, a Swahili word meaning "a meeting" or "an assembly of people." While the term traditionally refers to a gathering, it also represents the importance of bringing people together to build relationships and share experiences. Throughout the Black Cultural Welcome, participants embraced that meaning in their own ways.
One of the event's most memorable activities invited students to write their definitions of Umoja on a community board. Like Kusanyiko, Umoja centers on togetherness, as it translates to "unity." Students described unity as "collective advancement," "peace between everyone," "liberation," "being respectful to others," and "forgiveness and loving one another." Their responses demonstrated that unity could take many forms, while still encouraging people to support and uplift one another.
The spirit of Umoja was also visible throughout the event. Participants from a variety of backgrounds joined together in cultural dances, creating an atmosphere filled with energy and joy. Attendees were also inspired by student speaker Myles Nunn, whose remarks reinforced the importance of connection and community. The celebration continued over a meal catered by Fixins, where conversations flowed and new relationships were formed.
More than a welcome event, the 2026 Kusanyiko/Black Cultural Welcome served as a reminder of the power of gathering. Through reflection, conversation, culture, and shared experiences, participants left with a deeper understanding of community and the importance of carrying the spirit of Umoja beyond the event and into their daily lives.
