The Impact of The Black Resource Center
During the process of choosing a university, I had a few expectations that I wanted my school to fulfill. I wanted my future university to be out of state, diverse, affordable, and prestigious. My original plan was to attend a Historically Black University because I wanted to be surrounded by Black excellence and Black culture. However, since my major was Aerospace Engineering, it was difficult to find an HBCU that offered that program. This disappointment was a setback for me because I had to alter my college plan and find a university that supported both my major and my career goals. This led me to discover California State University, Long Beach (ºÚÁÏÍø). ºÚÁÏÍø’s programs centered around my major, and its prestige immediately caught my attention. Still, I desired a connection to my culture.
My need for Black culture was quickly met when I came across the Black Resource Center (BRC). My first time hearing about the BRC was at a Black Alumni Scholarship event. During the event, the Black Scholars team explained how to apply for the scholarship and shared tips on how to answer the required prompt. As soon as I walked in, I felt welcomed by both familiar and new faces, which made me feel grateful and appreciative of the environment and the people in it. While taking notes and looking around the room, it was clear that everyone felt encouraged and inspired to dedicate time to educational and communal opportunities as Black students. I also noticed the Black excellence that filled the space; people who had completed internships, held important positions in organizations, and were members of Divine 9 sororities and fraternities were present. I felt comforted, and I wondered what it would be like to experience being immersed in my culture even more.
Toward the end of November 2025, I decided to go to the BRC to do homework. I was hesitant because there was no event happening; I simply wanted to be in the space and enjoy the liveliness of Black culture. When I arrived, I remember slowly opening the door and scanning the room for familiar faces that would make me feel more comfortable and less nervous. As soon as I looked up, I saw smiling faces, welcoming eyes, and people I recognized. From that day on, I was hooked on going to the BRC. The community that comes from being surrounded by people who understand you on a cultural level is truly fulfilling.
The BRC has people of different age groups, majors, and personalities. With all these variations in one room, there is always space for playful, insightful, and motivational conversations. When entering the BRC, you never know what piece of knowledge you might leave with or who might benefit from your presence. I’ve met people I probably would have never crossed paths with on campus, but because of the BRC, we connected and built strong bonds. Since coming to the BRC, I’ve grown socially and developed better communication skills. These skills have helped me throughout my college journey because, as a Black woman, I know the importance of making my voice heard and standing apart from the crowd.
The positive influence the BRC has had on me during my time at ºÚÁÏÍø is something I hope every Black student can experience. The sense of community, the comfort of being understood, and the social opportunities it provides are all things I would consider truly worth exploring.
