Staff Report
On the morning of August 9, the heart of historic Old Sacramento came alive as community members gathered at Our Place Event Space & Kitchen to celebrate the 2025 cohort of The Sacramento OBSERVER’s 30 Under 30 — an esteemed group of emerging young Black leaders who are defining the future of their respective fields. The air was charged as Chancellor Gary May of UC Davis and President Luke Wood of CSU, Sacramento graced the stage, engaging in a dynamic fireside chat moderated by OBSERVER President and Publisher Larry Lee.
In the heartwarming yet thought-provoking dialogue, May opened with reflections on the essence of Black excellence. He noted that while excellence takes many forms, the unique challenges faced by the Black community have forged a distinct kind of resilience. “Black excellence,” he said, “means having the wherewithal to overcome adversity and still achieve personal success while impacting the community positively.”
Wood echoed those sentiments, applauding the notable accomplishments of this year’s honorees. He emphasized that true excellence encompasses selflessness, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. “You all are Black excellence,” he said, addressing the honorees, inspiring the gathered young leaders to continue to forge ahead on their paths of community impact.
Both leaders shared insights into their own personal journeys, emphasizing the determination and efforts that have shaped their careers. Wood reminisced about the challenges he faced as a first-generation college student and the moment he resolved to someday lead Sacramento State. He underscored the transformative power of mentorship, sharing stories of those who propelled him forward, shaping not just his ambition but also his vision for future generations of students.
When discussing the importance of visibility and representation, May and Wood had words of advice for young Black professionals navigating predominantly white spaces. May urged confidence, stating, “When you’re the first, your goal should be to ensure you are not the last.” His emphasis on hard work resonated with the audience, as he encouraged each participant to cultivate their unique identities without shying away from their authenticity.
The conversation transitioned seamlessly into the realm of systemic change, a topic both leaders expressed passionate views on. Wood articulated a critical understanding of institutional dynamics, highlighting the inherent challenges in making meaningful change within large organizations such as universities. He reinforced that “every system is perfectly designed to achieve the results it gets,” urging attendees to pursue systemic transformations rather than superficial fixes.
Attendees were captivated as both leaders offered poignant advice for those aspiring to make impactful changes in their communities. They underscored the need for patience, strategic action, and the power of collaboration in achieving equity and justice. They offered insight on how activism and strategic leadership can coexist, emphasizing that meaningful change often requires more than loud protests; it calls for thoughtful, sustained efforts.
As the chat reached its close, the audience was left with a powerful challenge: to step outside of their comfort zones. Both May and Wood encouraged the 30 Under 30 honorees to embrace challenges that contribute to personal and professional growth. Their advice was clear — real progress happens when individuals dare to take risks and push boundaries.
The event culminated in an atmosphere of camaraderie and inspiration, celebrating not only the accomplishments of the honorees but also the continued legacy of Black leadership and the hope that the next generation embodies resilience, courage, and excellence.
The conversation closed with a challenge: step beyond comfort zones, take strategic risks, and pursue meaningful, lasting impact. The morning ended in a spirit of celebration and resolve — honoring today’s trailblazers while inspiring the next generation to carry the torch of resilience, courage, and excellence forward.. The fireside chat was a testament to the vibrant future of Black excellence intertwined with the passionate drive for progress and change.