Program Overview

Introduction to the Community Scholars for Black Lives Fellowship Program

The Community Scholars for Black Lives Fellowship Program was created by California Lutheran University in 2020. This program empowers a small cohort of students to develop research projects that shed light on systemic challenges and act as a catalyst for meaningful change within Black and other communities of color.

Benefits of the Program

Community Scholars for Black Lives gain access to a number of valuable benefits, including:

• $5,000 Fellowship/Scholarship Award to be applied to fall and spring semesters
• Mentorship from faculty and partners from organizations engaged in advancing the progression of Black constituents
• Travel funds to attend local or national conferences focused on equity and justice in the Black community
• Project budget up to $500 (to be applied only to project expenses)
• Recognition as Community Scholar

Expectations of Scholars

Community Scholars for Black Lives are engaged in but not limited to the following activities from September through April:

• Develop a research project that illuminates the issues of systemic racism and/or social structures that perpetuate oppression while posing potential solutions to these problems through projects that engage the Cal Lutheran and/or Ventura County community
• Periodically meet with faculty advisers and mentors for guidance on project
• Participate in a Black History Month panel discussion intended to increase understanding of issues impacting Black communities in healthcare, finance, and business
• Attend professional development, leadership, and research workshops
• Present oral reports of project outcomes at Cal Lutheran and at least one community forum
• Execute and present the project outcomes at Cal Lutheran for campus and external community in the spring semester
• Attend local or national conference focused on equity and justice in the Black community (not required)
• Attend and be recognized during Celebration of Academic Excellence and Recognition Culmination event

Current Cohort

The current cohort of scholars includes:

• Rebekah Afulike: Pivotal Role of Parents Support or Its Absence on the Educational Path of Black Students
• Delanie Desano-Smith: Sexual Assault and Social Stereotypes
• Ninelihle Dube: Documentary: Healing and Restorative Justice Through the Power of Art
• Olivia Gichanga: Encouraging Young Black Girls in Pursuing Stem Career Paths
• Julia M'kai Sayyid: Racism Unveiled
• Sachin Sharma: Documentary: Black Experiences in the Film Industry: A Cinematic Discovery
• Tyler Stewart: Navigating the Intersection: Emotional and Stressful Challenges Faced By Black Student Athletes

Past Cohorts

Past cohorts have included scholars such as:

• Angela Abalo: Fatherhood Renaissance
• Davian Gonzalez: College Experience to Local Underserved Communities
• Devon Goosby: Presentation: Equity and Justice in Sports
• Avya Pandhi: Affirmative Action; Not Black Not White
• Gbemi Abon: Documentary: Bridging the Gap
• Elul Nedi: Forum: Black Excellence in Entrepreneurism
• Valerie Salazar: Community Youth Exhibition
• Rakaihya Thomas: Black Maternal Health
• Teketa Bellamy: Reflecting: The Sounds of Blackness: A Spoken Word Event
• Jaden Lyons: Building Generational Wealth Through Financial Literacy
• Sloan Sanders: America & Moore 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Challenge
• Sarah Wells: Anti-Bias/Anti-Racist Classroom Conversations
• Emozino Ayetuoma: Black Health Disparities
• Landry Irumva: Black Excellence
• Elysia Williams: The Importance of Black Coming-of-Age Novels for All Adolescents

Program Partners

California Lutheran University has partnered with six organizations based in Ventura County that focus on the advancement of African Americans, including:

• 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