Black Consciousness Conference
The 44th Annual Black Consciousness Conference: "Black to the Future: Life After College"
The 44th Annual Black Consciousness Conference (BCC) at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) which was held on March 15th, 2025, was an event which celebrated the university’s ongoing dedication to nurturing an inclusive and thriving Black community. The theme of this year's conference was Black to the Future: Life After College, which aimed to prepare students on how to navigate life and achieve success after graduating from college.
Uniting the Black Community at CSULB and Beyond
Organized by the Black Student Union (BSU), the conference aimed to bring together Black students from CSULB and the broader Long Beach community. The primary goal was to empower Black students by providing them with the tools, resources, and encouragement needed to navigate their academic journeys and prepare for life after graduation.
In addition to celebrating a 20% increase in Black student enrollment at the university, which brought this year’s Black Consciousness Conference to record attendance numbers, the conference highlighted the ongoing challenge of improving retention rates. While enrollment growth is a key achievement, ensuring that Black students are supported throughout their time at CSULB—so they can thrive academically and graduate—is essential to their long-term success. The event served as a call to action, urging all involved to work toward better retention, greater access to resources, and a stronger foundation for post-graduation success.
Panel Discussion: “How to Navigate After College”
The centerpiece of the conference was an engaging panel discussion titled “How to Navigate After College.” Featuring a diverse group of former CSULB alumni, faculty, and educators from other institutions, the panel offered valuable insights into successfully transitioning from college to the workforce. Panelists Isaiah Phillips, Dr. Henderson, Michael Victor, and Alice Nicholas shared their experiences and provided strategies for overcoming challenges in academic and professional spaces.
For Black students, who often encounter unique barriers in these environments, this session was particularly crucial. The conversation wasn’t just about career advice but about equipping students with the mindset and tools to confront these obstacles and excel in their professional lives.
Workshops and Networking Opportunities
Attendees also had the opportunity to engage in hands-on workshops, including a vision board session focused on envisioning the future. These workshops were designed to help students clarify their goals and start taking actionable steps toward their post-college lives. Additionally, the conference featured a Career Development Workshop, providing resources for students to enhance their resume and uplift their brands.
Keynote Speakers: Empowering Students for the Future
The keynote speakers were among the most impactful elements of the conference, delivering powerful messages on personal growth, success, and community impact. Winter White, a blogger and the published author of The Passion Practice, opened the conference. Known for her advocacy of self-help strategies, Winter spoke about how Black students can harness their personal passions and strengths to build successful futures. Her talk emphasized cultivating resilience, setting clear goals, and finding purpose in every step of the journey.
The conference also welcomed Dr. Umar Johnson, a renowned school psychologist, Black activist, and motivational speaker. Dr. Johnson, known for his work in promoting the well-being of the Black community, gave an inspiring speech about the importance of uplifting one’s community while striving for personal success. His message underscored that true success is not only about individual achievement but also about creating pathways for others in the community to rise alongside you.
Looking Ahead: Building on Progress
The 44th Annual Black Consciousness Conference was an overwhelming success, sparking important conversations that will undoubtedly continue long after the event. As CSULB continues to increase Black student enrollment, the next critical step is to ensure that these students have the support and resources necessary for success both during their college years and in the transition to life after graduation.
By continuing to unite students, alumni, faculty, and community members, the Black Consciousness Conference and the Black Student Union remains as a vital platform for Black empowerment, education, and growth. As the theme suggests, it’s time to look "Black to the Future," reflecting on our history while actively working toward a brighter, more promising future for the Black community—not just at CSULB, but beyond.
