By Robin Bolton, staff writer
With all the new students on campus, the “Welcome Black” mixer hosted by The Rose Black Resource Center Tuesday, was the perfect opportunity for both new and returning students to learn about the different Black clubs, organizations, events and workshops on campus.
The Rose Black Resource Center, founded in 2017, is intended to be a safe space for Black students at CSUDH. By offering academic advising, writing advising and career coaching, the RBRC aims to increase black student enrollment and graduation rates.
Catherine Jeramy, the center’s coordinator, said at the mixer she is excited about the many events in the works. The mixer was designed to let
Jeramy has noticed an influx of new students hanging around the RBRC this semester and welcomes them with open arms.
“It’s been very exciting. We have over 800 new Black students on campus. I’m seeing so many new faces and I’m really excited about all the things we have planned for this semester” Jeramy said.
Among the things she’s most excited is the “Harriet” movie screening planned for this November. Last semester, the RBRC organized a screening of Jordan Peele’s “Us” at the Cinemark located at the South Bay Pavilion.
“For our last movie screening we had 80 students come out and afterward we had a group discussion,” Jeramy said. “I’m really looking forward to the ‘Harriet’ screening. I’m hoping for an even bigger turnout.”
At the mixer, students mingled with several clubs on campus such as the Black Student Union and the Organization of Africana Studies.
Makonnen Tendaji, president of the Black Student Union, said the mixer gave him the chance to spread the word about the BSU and its first general body meeting of the semester happening Wednesday.
“With the new semester, I look forward to welcoming new members and continuing our work in the community and on campus” Tendaji said.
Brooklyn Thomas, a first-year history and Africana studies major, says the Rose Black Center was one of the first clubs she learned about when she began the semester. She said she has already spent a good amount of time at the center.
“I wanted to support the black community on campus,” Thomas said. “They’ve been so welcoming and friendly. I feel like I’ve met people I will be friends with for a long time.”
Carl Brooks, a freshman studio art major, said the mixer was very informative and he learned about a lot of resources.
“I didn’t know there were so many black clubs on campus. I learned a lot tonight and found a couple clubs and event I’m interested in,” Brooks said.
The Rose Black Resource Center is located on the first floor of the Loker Student Union in room 132. For more information about upcoming events, visit torolink.csudh.edu/organization/blackresourcecenter
