Taniella “Tanni” Block was an extraordinary womyn who showed true passion to the commitment for change. Tanni arrived at California State University, Northridge in 2007 and began a mission to encourage community, enable peer support and create safe spaces. Tanni found strength through her siblings while attending CSUN, and utilized the EOP Program and the various clubs and organizations on campus she so quickly grew to love.
Tanni served with LGBTQA (the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Alliance) as Events Coordinator. She also worked with Queer Ambassadors and CSUN V-Day, attended rallies and volunteered with various other organizations on campus and in the community. Her voice played a vital role in creating the first permanent Pride Center at CSUN, dedicated to providing support and increasing services for LGBTQIA+ students.
Tanni’s bright smile brought empowerment, joy and comfort to all who knew her. She brought strangers together and worked to unite communities through their differences. With an intersectional identity as a black pansexual womyn, Tanni’s motivational and organizational skills joined with her creative musical ability to raise awareness of unprivileged and marginalized communities and to help other students navigate difficult social landscapes. Tanni was a powerful advocate, activist and ally for CSUN and for all LGBTQIA+ students.
Tanni Block passed away in May of 2012, just before the opening of the Pride Center, leaving behind a legacy of work and a legion of people who will always remember her strong spirit.