Community Scholars for Black Lives
Fellowship Program
Meet Our 2024-25 Student Cohort
Left to right: Tyler Stewart '27, Delanie Desano-Smith '26, Olivia Gichanga ’26, Julia
M’kai Sayyid '27, Ninelihle Dube '26, Rebekah Afulike '26; and Sachin Sharma ‘27.
Photo: Obinna Anyanwu
More about our current cohort:
Interested in joining our next cohort?
For questions and information about the program, please contact Allison Moore
Cal Lutheran created the Community Scholars for Black Lives program in 2020 to empower students to develop projects designed to strengthen the Black community. With the Amgen Foundation as its major funder, the program was inspired by the challenge from North Central University in Minnesota to establish memorial scholarships in George Floyd’s name.
Fall 2024 represents the fifth cohort of students who engage in work that embodies
progress toward a just society. The program features scholarship, mentorship and community
partnerships.
Support This Scholarship
If you would like to make a gift to support this scholarship, you can give online to our fund.
Or contact us at development@CalLutheran.edu
Note: This scholarship is contingent on California Lutheran University receiving grant
funding from AMGEN Foundation.
Events
An Evening with Judy Fambrough-Billingsley
February 20, 5:30 pm
Samuelson Chapel
Celebration of Black Excellence
February 25, 5:00 pm
Lundring Events Center
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Sponsored High School Visit
March 21, 12:00-2:00 pm
Lundring Events Center
Cal Lutheran Cares Day
April 9
Celebration of Academic Excellence
June 28, 1:00-3:00 pm
Preus-Brandt Forum
Student Presentations
- Tyler Stewart
"Navigating the Intersection: Emotional and Stressful Challenges Faced By Black Student Athletes"
January 30, 5:30 pm
Lundring Events Center - Rebekah Afulike
"Pivotal Role of Parents Support or Its Absence on the Educational Path of Black Students"
February 6, 5:30 pm
Lundring Events Center - Ninelihle Dube
"Healing and Restorative Justice Through the Power of Art"
February 13, 5:30 pm
Lundring Events Center - Sachin Sharma
"Black Experiences in the Film Industry: A Cinematic Discovery"
March 4, 5:30 pm
Lundring Events Center - Julia M’kai Sayyid
"Racism Unveiled"
March 18, 5:30 pm
Lundring Events Center - Delanie Desano-Smith
"Sexual Assault and Social Stereotypes"
March 25, 5:30 pm
Lundring Events Center - Olivia Gichanga
"Encouraging Young Black Girls in Pursuing Stem Career Paths"
April 1, 5:30 pm
Lundring Events Center
Signature Events
Recent Events and Scholars in Action
Cal Lutheran has partnered with six organizations based in Ventura County that focus on the advancement of African Americans. Representatives from each organization will weigh in on the selection of scholars and will participate as advisers to the scholars. The Community Scholars for Black Lives program will further permeate the community as each organization awards scholarships to college-bound high school seniors.
Partner Organizations:
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. — Xi Iota Lambda Chapter
- The Channel Islands Chapter of The Links, Inc.
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. — Psi Xi Chapter
- Ventura County Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
- Students Securing and Achieving Their Future Through Education (SSAFE)
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
