Black History Month Celebration Archive of Events

We gathered aboard the Queen Mary to celebrate gospel music, Black heritage, and community. This was more than a celebration—it was an opportunity to strengthen our collective commitment to cultural preservation and community sustainability. Through music, fellowship, and shared purpose, we built resources for educational programs and cultural initiatives that matter to Long Beach. Gospel music has always been a vessel for resilience, joy, and collective action. When we came together to listen, sing, and break bread, we honored that legacy while creating support for the work ahead.

A two-day celebration of Black solidarity. Exploring equitable opportunity and community solidarity as a lived commitment. Through performances celebrating Black cultural heritage, expert panel discussions on reparations solutions, and a special luncheon featuring honorees of California Senate District 33, Al Austin Leadership Scholarship, and the CEO Diversity Awards, we came together to strengthen our collective vision.

A farewell reception honoring the legacy of Long Beach Councilman Al Austin was held aboard the iconic Queen Mary on December 12, 2024. Looking Back, Moving Forward was the theme for this event celebrating Councilman Austin’s 12 years on City Council representing District 8.

Celebrating Black excellence in art, music, and culture across our community. Through artistic expressions from local visionary Black artists, powerful musical performances, and cultural showcase moments, we honored the rich heritage and growing legacy of Black culture in Long Beach. Our shared luncheon celebrated the leadership and vision of California Senate District 33 honorees—community leaders strengthening what we’re building together. In this gathering, we came together to affirm resilience, joy, and the power of cultural celebration as a foundation for our collective future.

A Celebration of the City of Long Beach’s 1st Black Mayor, Rex Richardson. Hosted at the Long Beach Convention Center, our 11th annual Black History Month showcase event also included the presentation of the CEO Diversity Award to Dr. Mike Muñoz, President of Long Beach Community College, and Tamika Long, Senior Manager for Government Operations, the Boeing Company. During the luncheon event, we recognized the Andy Street Community Association and ASM Global 2023 Scholarship Awardee: Basil Noah.

Our 10th annual Black History Month Celebration headlined speakers from throughout the community, performances from local artists and musicians, and an immersion in the Black experience of Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow from all corners of the diaspora. With “Forgotten Images”, our exhibit of authenticated works of writing, art, and artifacts of African heritage from the 1600s to the modern Civil Rights Era and tours of the new African American Cultural Center.

By speaking the truth of our story, we embrace our power.

Our rhythms tell our history at our first fully virtual FREE Black History Month Celebration: Rhythm In Black. A collaboration with the Office of 8th District City Councilman Al Austin and the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, Rhythm In Black is a celebration of African American history, art, music, and much more. Our theme centers on the journey of African Americans through their music, dance, arts, and sports, and highlights discussions on their transformational power on our youth.