Community Scholars for Black Lives Fellowship Program

Current cohort of scholars

Left to right: Tyler Stewart '27, Delanie Desano-Smith '26, Julia M’kai Sayyid '27, Ninelihle Dube '26, Rebekah Afulike '26; Sachin Sharma ‘27 and Olivia Gichanga ’26 (not pictured). Photo: Obinna Anyanwu

Cal Lutheran created this 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 will represent the fifth cohort of students who engage in work that embodies progress toward a just society. The program features scholarship, mentorship and community partnerships. Note: This scholarship is contingent on California Lutheran University receiving grant funding from AMGEN Foundation.

Support This Scholarship

If you would like to make a gift to support this scholarship, you can give online to our fund.

Make a Gift

Or contact us at development@CalLutheran.edu

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Program Benefits and Expectations

By becoming a Community Scholar for Black Lives, students gain access to a number of valuable benefits.

$5,000 Fellowship Scholarship Award
Mentorship from faculty and partners from organizations engaged in advancing the progression of Black constituents

Travel funds to attend local or national conference focused on equity and justice in the black community
Project budget up to $500
Recognition as Community Scholar

Scholar Expectations

Community Scholars for Black Lives are engaged in 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 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 leadership and research workshops
Present oral reports of project outcomes at Cal Lutheran and at least one community forum
Attend NAACP, NUL, CORE or CBCF conference (not required)
Attend and be recognized during Academic Showcase and Recognition Celebration

About the Program

On May 25, 2020, the world witnessed the modern-day lynching of a Black man. His name, George Floyd, has been added to a litany of names of people who encountered similar fates. Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, Rashard Brooks, Sandra Bland, Ahmaud Arbery, Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin and Meagan Hockaday are among the numerous Black lives lost to the use of deadly force by police and racially motivated acts of violence, oftentimes with no criminal repercussion.

The year 2020 brought the issue of race to the forefront on many different levels. As students, you witnessed or heard about racial slurs and derogatory depictions of Black people on our own campus and, while amid working toward making Cal Lutheran a more welcoming place, the horrendous killing of George Floyd by police reminded us all of the gravity of racism in the U.S. In response, millions of people have taken to the streets to rally for change, yet the number of people who lack understanding about the inequities confronted by Black people is daunting. Of those who do understand the issues, many feel helpless or hopeless. So where do we go from here?

Community Scholars for Black Lives Fellowship Program Goals

Immerse students in activities and experiences designed to increase knowledge and strengthen skills toward improving the fate of the Black community
Creatively raise awareness, educate and train students and community members about systems and structures in need of change in order to alleviate oppression of Black people
Increase interracial understanding and cooperation toward a just society for all, with an emphasis on justice for Black people

How to Become a Community Scholar for Black Lives Fellow

Student Eligibility

Open to Cal Lutheran undergraduate and graduate students with at least one year of studies left prior to graduation
Must be classified as a sophomore in the 2025-26 school year.
Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above
Must demonstrate evidence of interest in equity and justice: major or minor discipline, community service, demonstrated involvement in organizations focused on advancing racial justice or specifically focused on progress for African Americans

Submit Your Application

Important Dates

Date	Event
February 10, 2025 at 4 p.m. or March 27, 2025 at 4 p.m.	Informational Webinars RSVP
April 1, 2025	Application Period Opens
May 5, 2025	Application Period Closes

Past Cohorts of Community Scholars for Black Lives

2023-24

Angela Abalo

Davian Gonzalez

Devon Goosby

Avya Pandhi

Spotlights On Our Scholars

2022-23

Adgbemisola (Gbemi) Abon

Gbemi Abon

Elul Nedi

Valerie Salazar

Rakaihya Thomas

Spotlights On Our Scholars

Scholars in Action: Photo Gallery

2021-22

Teketa Bellamy

Jaden Lyons

Sloan Sanders

Sarah Wells

2020-21

Emozino Ayetuoma

Landry Irumva

Elysia Williams

Recent Events and Scholars in Action

Media Gallery

Celebration of Black Excellence

February 29, 2024

Program’s cohort members, Angela Abalo ‘26, Devon Goosby ’26, and Davian Gonzalez ‘26, hosted a panel discussion titled, “A Celebration of Black Excellence,” in honor of Black History Month. Featured guests included Marc A. Henderson II, MBA, CFP, Market Director, Thrivent Financial; Dionne Phillips, CEO & Founder of D’Lashes Lash and Wellness Spa, and Zuri Murrell, M.D., Colon & Rectal Surgeon, Medical Director, Outreach and Quality Integration Cedars-Sinai Cancer, and Chairman of Physician DEI Taskforce, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. These professionals shared stories about their careers, insights on diversity and inclusion, and the importance of giving back and empowering their communities.

Thank You to Our Community Partners

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 are: