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Celebrating Black History in Long Beach, California and Beyond
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Wall of Excellence Honorees

Women’s History Month – Wilma Powell

Powerful Women Speak 2022 Women's History Month, Wall of Excellence HonoreesBy StaffMarch 23, 2022

In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth, we want to highlight strong women who are making history, today! Introducing Wilma Powell.   Wilma Powell, also known as “The Regulator,” changed the way women’s roles are viewed at ports across the nation and the world. She is the first woman in the nation to hold the position of Chief…

Topsy-Elvord was once asked how she was able to accomplish so many things in her lifetime. Her reply was succinct – and epitomized the former councilwoman’s years of public service: “You can get anything done,” she said, “if you don’t care who gets the glory.”

Doris Topsy-Elvord – Wall of Excellence Honoree

Wall of Excellence HonoreesBy StaffFebruary 24, 2022

  Doris Topsy-Elvord, known as “Mother Doris” for her legendary work in the community, and for being both the first Black woman to be elected to the Long Beach City Council and the first Black person to serve on the harbor commission, has died. She was 90. Topsy-Elvord’s last public appearance came in August when…

As we reflect on, review, and honor the accomplishments of African-Americans we must not forget that the audience for this is all Americans. Certainly, African-Americans can feel a degree of pride in that even though oppressed, enslaved and discriminated against, still we rise, ALL Americans can take pride in the fact that we are Americans. Lastly, we need all America to lay to rest their biases, either explicit or implicit. African-Americans are citizens of this land and we along with others, TOGETHER make this country great.

Oliver Tate Brooks, M.D. – Wall of Excellence Honoree

Wall of Excellence HonoreesBy StaffFebruary 17, 2022

During #BlackHistoryMonth, we want to spotlight current leaders making a change, today. Introducing Oliver Tate Brooks, M.D. Oliver Tate Brooks, M.D. received his undergraduate degree in biology from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia in 1977, graduating in three years.  While at Morehouse, he received the Frederick E. Mapp Prize in Biology for excellence in biology.…

Steve Neal – Wall of Excellence Honoree

Wall of Excellence HonoreesBy StaffFebruary 15, 2022

During #BlackHistoryMonth, we want to spotlight current leaders making a change, today.  Steve Neal has been a long-time community leader in the Los Angeles area. Dedicating his career as an advocate in the labor, nonprofit, healthcare, clergy and public office work sectors, he has long been recognized as a servant leader for his ability to…

Alisha Henderson-Wade – Wall of Excellence Honoree

Wall of Excellence HonoreesBy StaffFebruary 8, 2022

  During #BlackHistoryMonth, we want to spotlight current leaders making a change, today. Mrs. Wade is the CEO of New Hope Homes, a senior living facility in the 6th District of Long Beach. In her role as CEO she oversees the day to day operations of the 140 Unit apartment community. She provides the New…

Darick J. Simpson – Wall of Excellence Honoree

Wall of Excellence HonoreesBy StaffFebruary 8, 2022

During #BlackHistoryMonth, we want to spotlight current leaders making a change, today. Darick J. Simpson is President of the Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation. In 2020 he was also honored as the California State University Long Beach, Leadership In Residence. Before joining the Miller Foundation in 2019 Mr. Simpson served as Executive Director…

Ivy Arlinda Goolsby – Wall of Excellence Honoree

Wall of Excellence HonoreesBy StaffFebruary 2, 2022

As we enter #BlackHistoryMonth, we want to spotlight current leaders making a change, today. Introducing Ivy Arlinda Goolsby. Born and raised in Long Beach, CA, Ivy has always had great pride and passion for her city and community. With years of professional career experience and entrepreneurial spirit, she has become a respected leader who is…

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