Monet Jenkins, for California State University Long Beach Black Scholars
At CSULB, students and faculty/staff engaged in a variety of events and activities that celebrate the contributions and achievements our Black community has made at The Beach. The Black Cultural Resource Center took the lead in ensuring students, staff and faculty could come together to honor the traditions, histories, and voices of the community. From performances from the Long Beach Honeys dance team to meaningful discussions of Black identity development, the month of February fostered celebration, cultivated dialogue, and provided a deep appreciation for Black culture and history.
Black History Month Cookout: Our annual Black History Month Cookout was full of food, music, and community-building. To start off Black History Month, participants enjoyed soul food from Fixins Soul Kitchen. The cookout also featured a performance from the Long beach Honeys dance team, creating an inviting atmosphere for students, faculty, and staff to enjoy music from Black artists.
MLK Celebration: The MLK Celebration was a significant event in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The celebration included speeches from guest speaker, Kayla Mason, the Regional Director of The Hidden Genius Project, and reflections on the ongoing fight for civil rights and social justice today. Students and faculty came together to discuss Dr. King’s impact on society, with a focus on continuing his work in the present day. This event served as a reminder of the importance of unity, activism, and the pursuit of equality.
Black Identity Development: In collaboration with the College of Education, this workshop provided a space for students to engage in conversations around the complexities of Black identity. Topics such as self-expression, cultural pride, and intersectionality of race, gender, and class within the Black community were explored in various group discussions. Participants reflected on their personal experiences and how they navigated their identities in both the workforce and classroom setting. This event empowered students who sought to gain a deeper understanding of Black identity.
Afro-Caribbean Experience: We wrapped up Black History Month with a vibrant celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture. Participants enjoyed Afro-Caribbean cuisine and had the opportunity to explore the connections between African and Caribbean histories and culture. During a panel discussion, student panelists Nia Gordon, Joanna Vincent, Lina Burbank, and Julia Llanos, shared their experiences of staying connected to their cultural roots while living in a different country. Additionally, keynote speaker Dr. Cheryl Rock, joined the panelists to discuss how the effects of gentrification has impacted their countries and how the campus can better support its Caribbean students.
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