While delivering his opening remarks to the congregation of Friendship Baptist Church in Yorba Linda, Cal State Fullerton President Ronald Rochon showed an image of George W. McLaurin, a Black man who was denied entry to the law school at the University of Oklahoma because of his race.
After a federal court ruling, McLaurin was ultimately admitted to the university, but as the 1948 image showed, he was forced to sit outside the classroom so the white students wouldn’t have to see him.
Rochon displayed the disturbing photo to illustrate the barriers once faced by Black students who were pursuing higher education.
CSUF President Ronald Rochon meets 8-year-old Ian Pleasant following the service on Super Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Cal State Fullerton)
CSUF President Ronald Rochon, left, and alum Austin Murrell promote the idea that college is possible. (Photo courtesy of Cal State Fullerton)
CSUF President Ronald Rochon addresses the congregants at Friendship Baptist Church on the annual Super Sunday event. (Photo courtesy of Cal State Fullerton)
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CSUF President Ronald Rochon meets 8-year-old Ian Pleasant following the service on Super Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Cal State Fullerton)
The president’s presence, and message to the congregation, were part of the initiative known as “Super Sunday,” a day in which presidents and administrators from all 23 universities within the Cal State University system deliver an impactful message to congregations at nearly 80 predominantly Black and African American churches, informing worshipers of the comprehensive list of benefits that come with a college education.
“So, as we think about the history of our ancestors and what they’ve been through … think about perseverance, think about resilience, think about uplift,” Rochon said.
The president displayed another photo, this one of Black student wearing her cap and gown and adorned with stoles and honor cords being presented with an advanced degree.
“We have an amazing opportunity, and we are asking you to please partner with us at Cal State Fullerton,” Rochon said. “We’re trying to increase our numbers of students that look like this beautiful congregation right here. This is a public institution. This is your university. It is your campus.”
As part of the Super Sunday festivities, Nate Umagat, outreach and recruitment counselor at CSUF, spoke to a group of younger members of congregation, most of whom were in high school and middle school.
“Cal State Fullerton offers something for almost everyone,” Umagat said. “From business and engineering to arts, education, health and science, there are many majors and career paths.”
Umagat also dispelled the false belief that it’s easy for new students to feel lost and insignificant at a university with more than 40,000 students.
CSUF offers many resources for Black students and students from all backgrounds and beliefs, Umagat said.
Those include the Black Student Union, African American Resource Center and Black Business Students Association.
“There are so many different communities for your major interests, your personal interests,” Umagat said. “Different places for you to find yourself and find a community.”
CSUF also offers the Ujima Community, an identity-themed housing option designed to support Black students and culture.
Layla Johnson, CSUF student and congregant at Friends Baptist Church, first learned about the benefits of a college education and the offerings at CSUF during a previous presentation from Umagat.
Johnson acknowledged feeling a bit intimidated early in her first semester but then found a sense of belonging once she connected with the right groups and people, she said.
Now, Johnson is finishing her second semester at the university.
“When I did find places I could connect to, I felt more included,” Johnson said.
And as a first-generation college student and former foster youth, Johnson connected with the university’s Guardian Scholars Program, which was created to support current and former foster youth in achieving success in higher education.
“I love Guardian Scholars,” she said.
Coming from a low-income background, Johnson also found resources for financial help through CSUF and her church.
“Me coming into Cal State Fullerton wasn’t concerning at all,” she said. “My church had my back. Cal State had my back.”