Muhammad Rafi

Muhammad Rafi is a graduate student in the History department at CSULB. Rafi’s research examines how mass incarceration intersects with race, economic inequality, and drug laws. His research informs his understanding of the ways in which communities of color are systematically removed from social participation. Rafi is excited to be part of a team that will facilitate the process of creating an equitable strategic plan for the College of Liberal Arts. He believes centering marginalized voices in decision-making processes will help ensure the next CLA strategic plan will better represent the faculty, the college, the community, and future students at California State University, Long Beach. 

Rafi’s father is a practicing Muslim who immigrated from Hyderabad, India. His mother was born and raised in upstate New York. Being multiracial, multiethnic, and raised in a home with parents from different religions, Rafi’s identity and lived experience aligns with many of those in our CLA community. Experiencing the ways in which folks are marginalized via race, immigration, and religion motivates him to serve on the PST. Additionally, as a fitness coach for ten years, he’s encouraged by efforts to pay greater attention to the physical, mental, and emotional health of students, faculty, and staff. As a small business owner, he’s excited by the prospect that the next strategic plan will strengthen ties between CSULB and the Long Beach community. Through his contributions, Rafi wants to help bridge a better future for the college, university, and the community that he loves so much.