At West Angeles Church of God in Christ, the pulpit has long been a place of faith and inspiration. On Super Sunday, it also became a platform for opportunity.
President Berenecea Johnson Eanes took the stage not just as a university leader, but as a testament to the power of education to transform lives.
“I stand before you the granddaughter of a woman with a second-grade education, the daughter of two people dedicated to service and my success,” Eanes told the congregation. “And now, I am here dedicated to your children.”
Her message was clear: college is more than a dream, it is a path forward. And Cal State LA is here to walk it with you.
A 20-Year Tradition of Uplift
Super Sunday, which celebrated its 20th year in 2025, is the signature event of the California State University (CSU) system’s African American Initiative. Each February, CSU leaders speak
at predominantly Black and African American churches across California, building bridges between faith-based communities and public higher education.
This year, on Feb. 16, 2025, Eanes was among the many CSU presidents, faculty, and staff who stepped into the heart of local communities to share a message of hope, access, and upward mobility.
At West Angeles, Cal State LA’s table in the church lobby offered information on admissions, financial aid, and support services. Across town, the Office of Admissions and Recruitment team connected with parishioners at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, answering questions and inviting students to picture themselves at Cal State LA.
“College equals opportunity; a degree unlocks yours,” Eanes
said. “A CSU degree means higher earnings, better health, and retirement security. Affordable and supportive—the CSU is here for you.”
Faith, Family, and the Future
The presence of Cal State LA was more than symbolic. It was deeply personal for students like Gary Cooper, a senior at New Designs Charter School, who attended service that Sunday with his family.
“I know people who went there, and they told me about the positive experiences they had,” Cooper said. “It seems like a good environment where I’ll be able to learn.”
“In the last five years, coming out of the pandemic, Cal State LA has come out strong.”
Church leaders echoed that sentiment. Deacon John Wilson III, who oversees the Education and Enrichment Program at West Angeles, has watched Cal State LA grow in both reach and reputation.
“From my perspective, Cal State LA is emerging right now as a top tech and professional school, helping kids get jobs and top salaries,” Wilson said. “In the last five years, coming out of the pandemic, Cal State LA has come out strong.”
He sees Super Sunday as more than an annual tradition; it is an important reminder.
“It keeps the Cal State LA name in front of the congregation,” he said. “Having the president and her team join us provides a lot of motivation.”
Building a Legacy of Access
For Eanes, Super Sunday was not just a speaking engagement— it was a return to her roots and a reaffirmation of Cal State LA’s mission.
“We want people to transform their lives via education,” she said. “We are building community with our churches and with our neighborhoods to make sure our students continue to thrive.”
After she spoke, Pastor Charles Blake II stood before the congregation and affirmed her words.
“The same God that gave Dr. Berenecea an opportunity to be who she is now, the same God that has brought us through so many trials and tragedies before, is going to take us into the future,” he said. “But we must invest in our children.”
In a time of declining enrollment across the nation, Cal State LA is doing more than waiting for students to come—it is going to where they are, listening to their stories, and extending a hand.
Because for every future Golden Eagle sitting in a pew, the message remains the same: your dreams belong on a college campus. And Cal State LA is ready to welcome you.