Fitzgerald Graves, who is currently pursuing his master’s degree in public policy and administration and holds a bachelor’s in psychology from CSUB, is excited to finally see the center open.
Having advocated for Black students at both Bakersfield College and at CSUB, where he served as president of the Black Student Union, he said the new space marks a turning point for the university.
“It’s important for us to celebrate, but it’s also important for us to support the Black Student Success Center — not only because of the cultural relevance and historical impact, but because it’s vital to all of us succeeding,” he said. “We strive for a legacy we can all be proud of; a legacy that goes beyond the CSUB walls but back into the community so that those future `Runners know they have a place here and they don’t have to leave the community to find it.”
When Graves first began attending Bakersfield College in 2010 as a non-traditional student, he said he initially felt like he didn’t belong on campus.
“I had this idea that everything would work smoothly, that I would be accepted in striving for the goal of higher education and everyone supports that,” he said. “Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, and we’re forced to try to find a network of people who understand our plight not only culturally but academically.”
Graves grew to be more comfortable at BC as he developed relationships with other students, faculty and staff over time. He got involved with student government and was one of the founding members of the college’s African American Mentoring Program. He continued with those kinds of advocacy efforts after he arrived at CSUB in 2017.
“The impact on me from Bakersfield College to CSUB was only because I found a space I belong, only because there was a group of people that supported me,” he said. “Student success can be measured by more than just outcomes; it can also be measured by relationships, how they are built, how long they last and what return you see in the community.”
While the new center is primarily focused on supporting Black students, all are encouraged to take advantage of the space. Dr. Harper hopes it will serve as an inviting space where students of all backgrounds can feel acknowledged and accepted.
“Today, there are forces in this world that seem intent on dividing us. Critics might say that we at CSUB should not open a center like this at such a time. And of course, they are wrong,” he said. “Every single Roadrunner who studies at CSUB is welcome here.”