Cal Lutheran Cares Day 2025

Community Scholars for Black Lives Fellowship Program

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

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 represented the fifth cohort of students engaging in work that embodies progress toward a just society. The program features scholarship, mentorship, and community partnerships.

Rebekah Afulike '26

Pivotal Role of Parents Support or Its Absence on the Educational Path of Black Students

This project will bring awareness to the crucial impact parental and mentor support has on the educational success of Black Students, specifically through their motivation and support.

Ninelihle Dube '26

Healing and Restorative Justice Through the Power of Art

An art initiative that will celebrate Black talent and excellence, while fostering emotional healing and social change in Black communities. Through various art styles, this project will provide a safe space for self-expression, empowering individuals to reclaim their narratives and process painful experiences.

Olivia Gichanga ’26

Encouraging Young Black Girls in Pursuing Stem Career Paths

This research will examine the racial disparity in the representation of Black women in the STEM workforce, while also exploring strategies to support and uplift this community from an early age.

Julia M’kai Sayyid '27

Racism Unveiled

By integrating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging (DEIJB) principles into Campus initiatives, the project seeks to raise awareness and create a more inclusive environment. Events such as "Soul Food Fridays" and increased African American history courses will further promote belonging, while qualitative research will provide data on emerging themes, ensuring the project’s strong validity and lasting impact on campus.

Sachin Sharma ‘27

Black Experiences in the Film Industry: A Cinematic Discovery

In a documentary format, this filmed research project will explore the shifting portrayal of Black people in movies over time while also celebrating the work of Black filmmakers. By highlighting the issues Black filmmakers experience, this research will provide practical solutions on how to navigate around “the gap” to reduce the imbalance of opportunities in the film industry.

Delanie Desano-Smith '26

Sexual Assault and Social Stereotypes

This research will identify the magnitude at which black women experience sexual assault and sexual slavery. There will be an analysis of the barriers black women face in accessing services for recovery from assault, while also providing recommendations on these services at California Lutheran University.

Tyler Stewart '27

Navigating the Intersection: Emotional and Stressful Challenges Faced By Black Student Athletes

This project will be an in-depth look at the multifaceted challenges Black student athletes face, including pressures to excel academically and athletically, racial stereotypes, and mental health stigma. These factors contribute to chronic stress, limited support, and a struggle for identity, often resulting in anxiety and isolation that hinder their well-being and performance. The intersection of race, performance, and mental health underscores the urgent need for culturally competent support systems in academic and athletic environments.