Cal Lutheran Cares Day 2023

The Community Scholars for Black Lives Fellowship Fund will create additional opportunities for Cal Lutheran students to embody their academic work and scholarship in projects that work to dismantle systemic racism and reimagine a more just world. 

Inspired by a challenge from North Central University in Minnesota to establish a George Floyd Memorial Scholarship, Cal Lutheran created the Community Scholars for Black Lives Fellowship Program to amplify student voices and to connect them with community leaders.

Your support of the Community Scholars for Black Lives Fellowship Program will make a tangible difference for our students and the greater community. Thank you!

2022-2023 Cohort of Community Scholars for Black Lives Fellowship Program

Gbemi Abon | Bridging the Gap

Gbemi’s project aims to give Black Americans an opportunity to feel connected to their African roots, investigate how not knowing where exactly they came from in Africa has impacted them, and research how the Black community and African community treats one another. The project will also highlight the importance of identity and if knowing one’s ancestral background impacts one’s mental well-being.

Valerie Salazar | 2023 Community Youth Exhibition 

Valerie’s project is an annual event connecting community-based organizations to youth of color and their families who have been or could be at risk of becoming system-affected. She aims to address the disproportionate number of youths currently incarcerated in our county.

Rakaihya Thomas | A Panel Discussion on Black Maternal Health 

Rakaihya’s project aims to educate and acknowledge bias for black women throughout their maternal health journey. She will hold a panel discussion that delves into patient experience, community involvement and clinical care. Rakaihya hopes to invoke conversation and inspire aspiring and known health care professionals on medical racism especially with black women. 

Elul Nedi | Intersectionality in Black Excellence Forum 

Elul’s project consists of three consecutive guest speaking series specializing in Intersectionality in Black entrepreneurship, Black healthcare careers, and being Black and an international student. The goal of her project is to provide a diverse perspective on the values for intersectionality of Black culture in America.