California State University, Sacramento’s Innovative Approach to Diversity
In the midst of a national debate on diversity programs, California State University, Sacramento, has launched an initiative that aims to create a more inclusive environment for its Black students. The Black Honors College (BHC) at Sacramento State provides a unique academic experience focused on Black history, life, and culture.
When Zyearre Amoah attended Sacramento State in 2023, he often felt isolated as a Black student. “There were African-American students on our campus,” he recalls, but in a university of over 30,000 students, “it just felt like we had to look for each other.” Amoah graduated in 2024, just as the university introduced its Black Honors College, and he now works to recruit students to this program.
“Unfortunately I didn’t have the luxury to be part of it as a student,” Amoah notes. “Black students on our campus are actually showing their faces,” he adds, emphasizing the newfound sense of community.
Expanding Opportunities Amid Challenges
Luke Wood, the president of Sacramento State, helped establish the BHC as part of an effort to support Black students while welcoming anyone interested. “It’s nondiscriminatory because you can be a white student, an Asian student or Latino and be in the Black Honors College,” he explains.
Despite a challenging national climate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, the BHC has flourished, with over 800 students enrolled. The college is open to all students, though the majority are Black, African, African-American, or mixed race.
An Inclusive and Specialized Curriculum
Each course at the BHC is taught from a Black studies perspective, integrating stories of Black figures even in subjects like mathematics. Faculty are selected based on their effectiveness in teaching Black students, as indicated by low withdrawal and failure rates.
Women currently constitute the majority of the BHC’s enrollment, a trend consistent with most U.S. campuses. To encourage more male participation, Dean Boatamo Ati Mosupyoe plans to introduce more male role models and mentors.
Navigating a Climate of Decreasing Diversity Programs
Following the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision banning affirmative action, the Trump administration launched investigations into programs targeting specific racial groups. This led to the rollback of many such initiatives at various colleges.
For students like Hayden O’Neill at the University of Michigan, the disappearance of diversity programs has been disheartening. “I don’t feel as comfortable as I thought I would at a school like this,” O’Neill shares, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many students nationwide.
Building a Community and Identity
The BHC headquarters at Sacramento State serves as a vibrant community hub. Students like Naomi Thrower, a junior majoring in Deaf Studies and American Sign Language, find a sense of belonging here. Thrower, who also runs a natural hair business, appreciates the understanding and support from her peers.
Many students at the BHC reference the South African philosophy of Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are,” highlighting the interconnectedness and community spirit that the program fosters.
According to President Wood, these efforts have led to increased enrollment and success among Black students, with more re-enrolling and graduating.
