Mission
The Cal State LA Black Alumni Network was founded in 2018 to grow, sustain, and promote a thriving community of Black students at Cal State LA, a premier comprehensive public university in Los Angeles. It is the energy, hard work, and passion of our students that inspires us to support and mentor our future alumni. As alumni, we value supporting students in higher education to continue with their personal and professional development. The Black Alumni Network exists to establish formal provisions to create opportunities that elevate our community through increased visibility, constructive programming, charitable initiatives, and fostered connections.
We are proud of your success and thank you for your support.
All alumni, current students, staff, and faculty are invited to join any of our alumni networks.
Network Leadership
J.T. Chestnut (’23, ’25), Chair
Outreach and Retention Specialist
Cal State LA Guardian Scholars Program
J.T. Chestnut serves as the outreach and retention specialist for the Guardian Scholars Program at Cal State LA, where he connects with and supports former foster youth as they pursue their college degrees. Prior to this role, he worked in New Student and Family Engagement at Cal State LA, welcoming newly admitted first-year and transfer students to the university. He is known for being a beacon of welcoming energy on campus.
A double alumnus of Cal State LA, J.T. received a bachelor's degree in marketing from the College of Business and Economics in 2023 and a Master of Public Administration from the College of Natural and Social Sciences. In his free time, he pursues his passion for running, having completed over 20 marathons both domestically and internationally. J.T. enjoys connecting with people, singing Whitney Houston songs, and supporting the Liverpool Football Club, the Carolina Panthers, and the UNC Tarheels.
Join the Black Alumni Network
Contact Us
If you're interested in a leadership role or have ideas for a future event, please contact us at [email protected] or (323) 343-2586.
Events
We are working to add more exciting activities to the calendar. Be sure to join the network to receive event updates and exclusive invitations.
Past Events
Black Alumni Network Mixer & Dinner 2025
On February 26, 2026, hosted a mixer in celebration of the centennial anniversary of the formal recognition of Black History Month in the United States.
Black Alumni Network Mixer & Dinner 2025
On February 20, 2025, the Black Alumni Network gathering featured a Black historical experience dinner, led by Chef Martin Draluck.
Black Alumni Network Mixer 2024
The greater Cal State LA community celebrated Black History Month alongside the Black Alumni Network.
Black Alumni Network Mixer 2023
On February 16, 2023, the Black Alumni Network reunited for their first in-person event since the Network's founding in 2018.
Black Alumni Network Inaugural Brunch - June 1, 2019
The network celebrated its founding with an inaugural brunch.