Giving Black

  • BY Cal State East Bay
  • May 26, 2017

Graduating senior Alyssa Steverson wants black youth of the region to know and love Cal State East Bay the way she does — as a place that’s more than a school. So she and others organized a day of celebrating service and community that they’ve dubbed “Giving Black.” 

The event is being organized and hosted by Cal State East Bay’s National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Black Student Union, both organizations that support black students nationwide and have representation at the university. The council is a collaborative organization of nine historically black fraternities and sororities, and the union works to promote activities — both cultural and educational — for black students.

Organizers of the Cal State East Bay event have been reaching out to Greek organizations, clubs and the public to drum up excitement and support for the day, which they hope will be a “celebration of all things beautiful and black.”

Steverson said she’s also hoping the event encourages youth not just to apply to Cal State East Bay, but to find a sense of community once they get on campus.

“It’s a chance for [Cal State] East Bay students to give back to the East Bay black community, and for the community and young black youth to be introduced to college,” Steverson said. “We want to get students interested in going to college and then once they’re there, [to get] involved.” 

Stations hosting activities for Giving Black Day will stretch from the bookstore lawn to Meiklejohn Hall. Service projects will include activities such as creating hygiene kits for the homeless, a school supply drive for the Cal State East Bay H.O.P.E. program and writing notes of advice to youth in the East Bay region. 

There will also be a station for dominoes and card games, a talent show that’s open to the public, and career and educational advisors on hand for potential or current students to talk with.

Giving Black day is free and open to the public. Each participant will receive an event-themed T-shirt to tie-dye and food trucks will be available.

Steverson said she wants the event to attract everyone from future students to families and local residents.

“It’s a day for everybody to come out and embrace their culture and learn about our culture and community,” she said.

Giving Black Day will take place May 27 and activities will be ongoing from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information visit blackatthebay.com.