Black History Month graphic

Now in its 19th year, the California State University Super Sunday initiative is joining with Black and African American churches to talk about the transformational power of a college degree to an individual, their family and society, and especially for the African American community. 

This year’s theme is “Equity, Access, Affordability and Social Mobility.” Cal State San Bernardino President Tomás D. Morales will speak at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in San Bernardino on Sunday, Feb. 25. The church service starts at 9:30 a.m.

Other CSUSB leaders will be appearing at Immanuel Praise Fellowship and Life Church of God in Christ, also on Feb. 25. Additionally, CSUSB leaders will visit New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and Greater Victory Church of God in Christ on March 10.

After Super Sunday services, outreach directors and staff will provide information on the CSU application and admission process, as well as scholarships and financial aid available to Cal State students.

Since its launch in 2005, more than a million people have participated in this signature awareness event for CSU's African American communities. The CSU remains committed to closing equity gaps and ensuring all Californians have access to and support in achieving a high-quality college degree as part of Graduation Initiative 2025. In 2022-23, more than 3,800 African American students earned CSU bachelor's degrees and more than 750 earned CSU graduate degrees.

The CSU’s Black and African American community engagement extends beyond Super Sunday. The university plans to hold additional faith-based outreach events in the spring and fall to continue to build upon the message of Super Sunday.

In addition, the CSU is creating a systemwide steering committee with faith-based leaders to provide support and share best practices to promote Black student success.

The CSU has made elevating Black excellence on its universities an urgent priority and has developed a 13-point action plan as part of its report on Black student success. In addition, the university has committed $10 million over three years to advance these priorities. 

With 23 universities across California, the CSU offers more access to diverse higher education pathways than any public university system in the United States. Nearly one-third of CSU students are the first in their family to earn a degree, more than half are from traditionally underrepresented communities and nearly half of undergraduates receive the Pell Grant. And, more than half of CSU bachelor's recipients in 2022-23 graduated with zero student debt.