The spirit of legacy and leadership was on full display as Cal State San Bernardino hosted the 13th annual Pioneer Breakfast on Feb. 27, bringing together the campus and community for a morning of celebration, reflection and purpose.

This year, 400 guests gathered at the Santos Manuel Student Union North Conference Center for one of CSUSB’s longstanding campus traditions and a premier event of the university’s Black History Month celebration.

During his welcome remarks, CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales reflected on the importance of the Pioneer Breakfast in advancing the university’s mission and honoring those who have helped pave the way at CSUSB.

“Hosted by the Black Faculty, Staff and Student Association (BFSSA), the Pioneer Breakfast honors the accomplishments of Blacks and African Americans who have made an impact at Cal State San Bernardino by demonstrating a passion for students, exemplifying a commitment to CSUSB, exhibiting professionalism, and exuding a positive attitude toward colleagues and the campus community,” said Morales.  “This year’s theme is honoring the journey from liberation to leadership.”

Rafik Mohamed, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, paid tribute to Morales’ leadership in a memorable and personal way — referencing song lyrics by hip-hop artists Eric B. and Rakim — as he presented him with the new 2026 BFSSA President’s Award because “hip-hop was born in the Boogie Down Bronx — and so was President Tomás D. Morales,” he quipped.

“Through his vision, courage and commitment, President Morales has championed equity, expanded opportunity and invested in the success of our students not only on this campus but across the IE and the nation,” said Mohamed. “His leadership reflects a deep understanding that when we support historically underserved communities, specifically here this morning, when we support Black communities, we strengthen the entire university and the entire region, in fact the entire nation.

“As the inaugural recipient of, and inspiration for, the President’s Award, we recognize not just the title but President Morales’ partnership and obligation to honor the journey of those who have paved the way, as well as the commitment to building pathways for those who follow,” he added.

Morales received the award to a standing ovation.

The celebration also featured musical entertainment by J. Boykin, who energized the crowd with his saxophone, playing soulful classics, including Al Green’s “Love and Happiness.”

A video message from U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) was played during the event. Aguilar congratulated the honorees and praised the Black community’s impact at CSUSB and beyond.

“The contributions the Black community have made to CSUSB undoubtedly had a remarkable impact in the Inland Empire and across the country,” Aguilar said. “From public service to business and the arts, our community is stronger, more vibrant because of the contributions of Black leaders, educators and students.”

Beyond the recognition and celebration, the event continues to invest directly in student success. All proceeds from the event support student scholarships and the annual Black Graduation recognition ceremony. The Pioneer Breakfast has awarded 435 scholarships to date.

This year, 11 scholarships were awarded to 15 CSUSB student recipients:

• Dr. Mildred Henry Scholarship: Lasheeda Forney
• John Overton Scholarship: Skye Jacobs
• Ms. Belva Holder Memorial Scholarship: Agnes Loswa
• Dr. Milton Clark Scholarship: Ayanna McAllister
• Dr. Jean Peacock and Walter Hawkins Scholarship: Nukera Reddic
• Felix Family Scholarship: Jordan Santana
• Terrilyn Monette Memorial Scholarship: Calinia Tucker
• Corey Jackson Scholarship: Bertrand Williams
• Lois Carson Memorial Scholarship: Iketra Porter
• Friends of John Futch Scholarship: Shamya Franklin, Aleesha Ward, William Johnson, Jisaiah Ware, Nehemiah Driscoll
• Westside Action Group Scholarship: Za’qun Snell