Civil Rights
Long Beach resident becomes first Black executive director of Baptist Peace Fellowship
'When it comes to the Black church, there's really no separation between church and state,' said Rev. William Moses Summerville.
Jackie Rae
A seasoned multimedia journalist with more than 13 years of dedicated community-focused experience. With a solid commitment to highlighting underrepresented people and stories.
McBride High School
McBride High seniors fight back after principal scraps traditional graduation ceremony
‘It does hurt the way that she’s treated us and the way that she’s been dismissive,’ said student Joseph Nguyễn regarding conversations with McBride principal Stephanie Dunn.
rent stabilization
‘Raise wages, lower the rent’: Long Beach tenants demand housing justice
More than 100 people gathered Downtown on May 1, urging city officials to adopt a rent stabilization policy, increase investment in legal aid for immigrants and tenants and create a livable wage.
Crime + Public Safety
'They need help': Sweet Jill’s Bakery owner responds to smash-and-grab
“We all make mistakes," owner Jill Pharis said. “It's time to address the issue."
Crime + Public Safety
West Long Beach resident feels targeted as gang graffiti Increases
Jerlene Tatum, a longtime resident, believes that revamping the Westside Promise, a 10-year community investment plan launched in 2023, could help ensure public safety.
No answers yet on new home for historic VIP Records sign
It will be years before the sign, which stood atop the famous record shop until 2018, finds a new home, according to city officials.
protests
Hundreds rally at Long Beach City Hall against Elon Musk, Trump administration
'We are not going to take it lying down. You cannot give up in advance,' said activist Laurie Meyers during the rally Monday.
systemic racism
Residents denounce systemic racism during rally at Long Beach City Hall
A new coalition of activists is demanding Long Beach officials reform what's described as long-standing discrimination against Black city employees.
racial justice
Over 100 rally in Long Beach to support racial justice at SURJ demonstration
Noting that large numbers of White people voted for authoritarianism in November, activist Barry Stees said, 'We've got a lot of work to do organizing our cousins.'
Civil Rights
Honoree declines MLK Peacemaker award, expresses solidarity with Long Beach Black leaders
'I cannot, in good conscience, accept this award at this time,' Órale executive director Gaby Hernandez said.
Civil Rights
Column: Long Beach's MLK Parade sparks outrage over lack of Black representation
Community members protest the fact that just one of the five individuals chosen to be a Grand Marshal in Saturday's Martin Luther King Jr. Parade is Black.
homelessness
Needles, feces and fear: HOA urges city to address homeless encampments
'Moving people along doesn't solve the root problem,' Gaviota Heights HOA president Jennifer Carey said.
Crime + Public Safety
Missing for nearly 3 years, Ruthey Smith's family pleads for help on her 22nd birthday
‘I definitely feel like they don't do enough when Black women go missing,’ said Kathryn Renesto, Smith’s mother.
Crime + Public Safety
Family, advocates seek accountability following Brandon Boyd’s death
Boyd family members and community activists called for new police use-of-force policies during the Long Beach City Council's Dec. 10 meeting.
Labor
Long Beach hospitality workers demand equity in Olympic wage implementation
A city measure approved earlier this year that guarantees hospitality workers higher wages excluded concession workers at the Long Beach airport and convention center.
Crime + Public Safety
‘They brutalized us’: Brandon Boyd’s family speaks out one week after he was shot, killed by police
During a press conference Tuesday, the Boyd family and community activists called for bodycam footage and the 911 call that led to the Nov. 19 shooting to be released.