By Kaya Do-Khanh | Special to The OBSERVER
On Super Sunday at Genesis Church in south Sacramento, the event inside these halls of worship carried greater importance for the congregants than touchdowns or halftime shows.
The stakes were higher.
Amid the lyrical sounds of worship and the celebration of baptism, Genesis played host to a representative from Sacramento State who extolled the virtues and value of a California State University system education to worshippers across generations.
On Feb. 25, CSU presented its 19th annual Super Sunday event – reaffirming the university’s partnership with Black and African American faith-based organizations to empower youth about the importance of preparing for college.
CSU representatives visited nearly 100 congregations across California to encourage communities to obtain a degree at one of its 23 institutions. Sacramento State visited 15 churches in the Sacramento region.
Along with voices lifted in song, piano, electric guitars and drums, the service included a talk on the affordability of a CSU and the benefits of going to college, amplified by the powerful words of the senior pastor, Dr. Rev. Tecoy Porter, and his wife, co-pastor Karlette Porter.
Dr. Porter, who earned his bachelor’s and master of business administration degree at Sac State, declared, “there are great things that come through education, so it’s wonderful that they come through the church, because it is a gateway for Black communities to opportunity.”
The congregation consists of 100 members attending Sunday service in person and thousands via livestream on their platforms.
“We’re always looking to partner with those gateways and higher education institutions so that we can provide opportunities to our folks who are here and hopefully help them to better lives,” Porter added.
“College is a ticket to lifelong growth, security, opportunity and it’s the very best gift you could give to yourself and to your family,” said interim Vice Provost for Student Academic Success at Sacramento State David Zeigler. “There’s no better time to join us. We’ve made the success of our Black students an urgent priority across the CSU.”
This year’s Super Sunday was especially meaningful for Sac State whose leaders are showcasing the opening of their Black Honors College this fall. During his speech at Genesis, Zeigler said that in tough economic times, degree holders have better access to health insurance and retirement plans and lower rates of unemployment as he encouraged the attendees to learn more “no matter your age or stage.”
The team from Sac State answered questions about majors, financial aid and student support services while handing out informational pamphlets and pennants of Sacramento State’s green and gold.
Salayah Moore, a junior at Laguna Creek High School in Elk Grove, said that she has thought about attending college and was specifically interested in the variety of majors available at Sacramento State.
“I think that it’s pretty cool that they come out here and give people an opportunity to learn more about their school, because I know a lot of people, especially in this area, that don’t really get a chance to experience colleges coming to them and that actually get a chance to go to college,” Moore said.
Moore added that if she attends a CSU, especially Sacramento State, it would be nice to get her education while staying close to family.
Sacramento State President J. Luke Wood said in a Super Sunday video presentation to the Genesis congregation, “This year is special to me, because the CSU is putting a specific focus on supporting Black excellence.”
“Last year, the CSU launched a 13 point action plan after the 13th amendment (which abolished slavery in 1865) to make sure that our Black students are welcomed, seen, heard, valued and supported as they pursue a degree,” Wood said. “The CSU is investing $10 million on Black student services, support resources and resource centers to ensure community and belonging are present on all of our campuses.”
Jerry Blake, Educational Opportunity Program counselor and Black Staff and Faculty Association board member at Sacramento State, said the chance for families and the community to interact face to face with Sac State representatives makes a huge difference.
Blake has worked with Sacramento State for 31 years now and said that in the last five to 10 years the university has increased support on the administrative and financial side for the initiative and made a concerted effort to encourage students of color to attend a CSU.
“If we want to talk to Black students, we need to get into Black communities, and one of the best ways to get into Black communities is to get into Black churches,” Blake said.
Zeigler added that the university recognizes the intimidation factor of college and wanted to go to Black and African American faith-based organizations to engage with prospective students in a familiar and comfortable environment to have conversations of how some of their barriers can be lowered.
In Midtown Sacramento, The Center of Praise Ministries, with 2,800 members, also welcomed representatives from Sacramento State. The church is home to many CSU alumni and the Super Sunday outreach can only attract more people to state universities, founding and senior pastor Dr. Parnell Lovelace.
“We are hoping that members of our congregation will embrace the affordable, collegial
and the scholastic opportunities provided through CSUs,” Dr. Lovelace said via email. “Second, it is our desire to see many of our students return to the local community, demonstrating their educational success, achievements, and communal commitment within our region.”
Dr. Lovelace said that the Sacramento State Black Honors College is of particular interest to the church and community, as many freshman and transfer
students have expressed their excitement about the extracurricular aspect and the faculty
involved in the honors college.
In his video presentation at Genesis, Wood stressed that a Cal State degree is one of the most affordable in the country.
“With a majority of our students receiving financial aid and nearly two-thirds having their tuition covered by non-loan payers, most CSU students graduate with zero debt.” Wood said. “Thinking about college classes and the campus atmosphere could seem daunting, but attending college and earning a degree is going to open the door to new opportunities to get you closer to your career goal — whether you’re the first in your family to attend college, looking to transfer from a community college or an adult looking to continue your education with a certificate or degree, the CSU is here for you.”
For information about applying to a CSU go to https://www.calstate.edu/apply or call 916-278-1000. For more information about the new Black Honors College go to csus.edu/bhc