Black Student Success Initiative

Events

All students, regardless of sex, race, color or national origin, who are interested in the program’s mission and focus are welcome to attend events hosted by BSSI.

Super Saturday 2024

Join us for this year's event aimed at empowering African American middle school, high school, and community college students from across the Central Valley. We are committed to supporting and guiding students on their path to post-secondary education. They will have the opportunity to hear motivational speakers, gain valuable insights, and be part of the exciting Super Saturday Tailgate Experience, culminating in the Fresno State Football game vs Washington State on October 12th!

Featuring a keynote speech by former NFL player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Robert Golden, who is also the CEO of Golden Charter Academy located in Fresno, CA. This event promises to be both educational and uplifting! We look forward to welcoming students and their families to this enriching experience.

Super Saturday 2024 Details

Black History Month

Fresno State will celebrate Black History Month in February with a variety of scheduled events for students, faculty, staff and the general public.

Schedule of events

Sistah Send-Off

Join us for our Sistah Send-Off, a celebration of connection and community THIS Thursday, May 9th from 12 - 3 pm in the Maple Mall area! Meditation and grounding led by hashtag.balance (make sure to bring your own blanket or yoga mat). Other activities include creative bracelet making, painting sessions, and games. Don’t miss out on this final celebration of sisterhood!

Turn Up Tuesday Learning Center Takeover

Black Student Success Initiative Presents: Turn Up Tuesday x Learning Center Takeover. Elevate your study game and turn up the heat on finals prep with us! Join the fun in the Learning Center (located in the basement of the library) on April 30th from 11:30 to 1 pm. Enjoy soothing music provided by DJ BLUZ CLUZ , tours, and meet our awesome Learning Center staff. Plus, dive into group study sessions to crush those finals together! Don’t miss out on the ultimate finals prep party – let’s turn up and succeed!

Black Student Success Scholars Bowling at Fresno State

Calling all Fresno State Bulldogs and our sister campuses! Get ready to roll those strikes and spares at the Battle of the Campuses: Bowling Edition! Join us for an epic showdown and a chance to connect with fellow Black Student Success Scholars from Clovis Community and Fresno City College. Let's strike up some fun and friendly competition!

Turn-Up Tuesday Fury Takeover

This event provides resources and information to students on all African American-related events/resources. The Throwback edition this day will feature BHM Trivia and Black Jeopardy.

NAACP Gala

This event is hosted by the Fresno State NAACP, the Black Excellence Gala serves as a cornerstone event in celebrating the achievements of Black students on campus. This event provides a platform to recognize outstanding contributions in community service, academics, and various other accomplishments within our vibrant community.

Brunch and Network

Brunch and Network is hosted by Black Student Success Initiative, Cross Cultural and Gender Center, African American Alumni Club, and Career Development Center to connect students with local business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals to enhance their network.

Black Fly Market

Presented by the Black Student Success Initiative, the Cross Cultural and Gender Center’s African American Programs and Services and the Career Development Center. Local small businesses and vendors will promote and sell their handcrafted goods and products on campus. There will be food, personalized merchandise and cultural products.

Care Day

Our students will be giving back on Saturday, February 17th, 2024 by distributing self care bags to the unhoused in the surrounding area. Please join us in giving back by volunteering your time on that day. We look forward to partnering through service with you!

Paint-N-Dip Workshop

Instructed by Audia Yvonne Dixon. This event is geared toward providing an environment that encourages creativity through painting.

Love is in the Air

This event is in partnership between Black Student Success Initiative, African American Programs & Services, and Off Campus Student Life. In celebration of Black History Month and Valentine's Day, we are providing cultural treats that are exemplary of Black history and creativity.

Allensworth Trip

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park: Embracing Our Shared Stories

Students will have the opportunity to visit Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. Allensworth is an unincorporated community in Tulare County, California. Established by Allen Allensworth in 1908, the town was the first in California to be founded, financed, and governed by African-Americans.

Natural Hair Night

Sistah to Sistah's Natural Hair Night is hosted by the Black Student Success Initiative to celebrate and honor the cultural significance of natural hair in the Black community.

Black Grad

Black Grad happens every year in May during commencement season. Black Grad is open to any student wishing to participate in the affinity ceremony celebrating the culture of educational achievement among Black/African American/African/Black Diaspora. Registration is required in order to be a part of the ceremony, to receive graduation regalia, and to have your photo in the program.

Learn More about Black Grad

Welcome Black

Welcome Black is an annual social reception for new and returning students, faculty, and staff of Black African Heritage. This gathering is geared towards networking and sharing on campus resources. This event typically usually takes place within the first two or three weeks of the fall academic semester.Read more about Welcome Black

San Joaquin Valley Black Expo

The SJV Black Expo will highlight curated virtual and on-site workshops, panel discussions, live performances, vendor booths, and youth scholarships, as well as praise and worship “opportunities”. More Information on Black Expo