Leadership Program Gives Black Students the Tools to Thrive

It's never been more important for young people of color to fully engage in civic life and to know they can shape the way we move forward as a state and as a country, says California Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland).

"On the eve of one of the most consequential presidential elections ever, we need to give our future leaders the tools they need to face these moments," said Bonta. "They need to know they can do something."

Bonta visited CSUDH on July 17-20 for the ninth annual African American Leaders for Tomorrow program, an event coordinated by the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and hosted by the Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute.

More than 100 high school students from across the state came to CSUDH for the event, where they learned firsthand from lawmakers how the business of legislating works. They also attended leadership workshops, took a visit to neighboring Fox Studios, and heard from university leaders about higher education.

"The 12-member California Legislative Black Caucus fervently believes that we need to focus on developing a pipeline of leaders to be able to not only address policy issues but also to help Black Californians thrive in all aspects of their lives," said Bonta.

"Every part of the AALT program aims to help our young leaders know that they have a voice, that they have a place, and that they are the future of what we want for California."

The opportunity to meet peers from across the state and learn what leadership looks like from interacting with actual state legislators are among the many aspects that make the AALT program special, said Devin Bacon, 15, a track and field athlete and aspiring mechanical engineer from O'Farrell Charter School in San Diego.

"I've been attending the workshops and socializing with other students from all over the state, and it's been great to learn about their different perspectives," Bacon said. "I think that's a big part of being a good leader: understanding different backgrounds, being a good listener, finding common ground, and knowing when to step up."

CSUDH leaders also gave students crucial advice on how to get the most out of higher education. Tiffany Herbert, Associate Vice President for Student Health and Well-Being, reminded students at her panel discussion to pay attention to more than just academics when picking a college.

"You need to think about your whole person-physical and mental health, financial health, spiritual health," says Herbert. "If you're hungry, how can you study effectively? If you're feeling depressed or missing home, how can you study effectively?"

She noted CSUDH provides resources to students who need support in mental and physical well-being, food and housing security, financial security, and related issues through the Toro CARE program.

"No matter where you decide to go to college, I hope you feel empowered to find your voice and choose a place that will give you everything you need to thrive."

Bonta said President Thomas A. Parham's compelling vision for CSUDH convinced her to suggest the university to her daughter Iliana when she was looking at colleges. "I was personally sold on both the campus and its mission," Bonta said.

It was a campus tour that really sold Iliana-now a sophomore in the College of Business Administration and Public Policy-on becoming a Toro. "It's been life-changing for her, a truly amazing experience."

The AALT program has offered the same life-changing opportunities to thousands of high school students since it began nearly a decade ago. "I don't think there are any other caucuses that focus so deliberately on youth development the way we do," said Bonta. "There are students attending this year's AALT program that have never stepped foot on a college campus. I'm glad that their first step is being taken here at CSUDH."

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