Alan Llavore | Office of Marketing and Communications | (909) 537-5007 | allavore@csusb.edu
The 12th annual Pioneer Breakfast took place on Feb. 28 at the Santos Manuel Student Union South, celebrating community members, campus partners and student scholarship recipients. Organized by the Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association, the event remains a key highlight of CSUSB’s Black History Month festivities. This year, over 350 guests attended the longstanding campus tradition.
Rafik Mohamed, provost and vice president for academic affairs, provided the welcome remarks on behalf of university President Tomás D. Morales. He highlighted the event's significance and those being honored, quoting actor and comedian Arsenio Hall on the lasting impact of trailblazers on future generations.
“The people we honor here today are folks who have made our students and community believe in their powers to become everything the powers that be tried to make them believe they couldn’t be. And we are better than blessed to have had them pave the way for us,” said Mohamed.
All proceeds from the event support student scholarships and the annual Black Graduation recognition ceremony. The Pioneer Breakfast has awarded approximately 420 scholarships, inspiring students by affirming their right to succeed and achieve great things, Mohamed noted.
This year, 10 scholarships were awarded at the breakfast with 18 CSUSB student recipients:
- Dr. Mildred Henry Scholarship: Princess Amadi
- John Overton Scholarship: Heaven Bell
- Belva Holder Scholarship: Kesha Shadwick
- Terrilynn Monette Scholarship: Trevione Walker
- Milton Clark Scholarship: Jordan Walton
- Dr. Jean Peacock & Walter Hawkins Scholarship: LaQuecia Weaks
- Felix Family Scholarship: Cierra Williams
- Corey Jackson Scholarship: Francis Oppong, Demmo Zeleke, Aniya Washington, Justin Fowler and Daniel Walker
- Mary Jane McCoy Scholarship: Jalonis Taylor
- Friends of John Futch Book Scholarship: Patricia Bell, Edo Dove, Tyden Davis, Jisaiah Ware and Jabar Lyons
The Pioneer Breakfast was filled with meaningful reflections on the impact of the Black community, as highlighted by several speakers, including U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), who shared his thoughts on the significance of the event.
“From education to public service to business to art, our community is stronger and more vibrant and more just because of the contributions of Black leaders, educators and students,” said Aguilar. “Today, we recognize and celebrate individuals whose dedication to CSUSB has uplifted students and empowered our faculty.
“To this year’s honorees, thank you for your commitment. Your impact reaches far beyond the walls of this campus. Your legacy will continue to inspire for years to come. Congratulations. Thank you for making this university and our community a better place,” he added.
This year’s event honorees were Antonio Banks (Emerging Leader Award), and Jonathan and Keynasia Buffong (Community Icon Award). The Pioneer Breakfast also honored the following individuals with the Pioneer Award:
- Franschell Williams: Staff Award
- Jimmie Brown: Administrator Award
- Dr. Gordon Amerson: Alumni Award
- Andre Harrington: Faculty Award
- Carolyn Eggleston and Thom Gehring: Lorraine Frost Ally Award
At the event, the words “inspire, honor, dream, legacy” were predominately displayed on the stage banners and also set the tone and message for the Pioneer Breakfast. The lively event was an opportunity for the campus and community to gather and celebrate the diversity that makes up the Coyote family.
The Pioneer Breakfast not only celebrated the achievements of outstanding individuals but also provided financial support for CSUSB students through scholarships. As the event continues to honor excellence and inspire future generations, it remains a cornerstone of the university’s Black History Month celebration.