By Dianne Anderson For the latest group of community improvement enthusiasts of the Neighborhood Leadership Program, graduation is just the start to power ahead and implement their own vision for changing their city. After several memorable and motivating experiences, participant Astra Varnado is brimming with ideas. For their Day of Discovery, they rode a charter ...

by Barbara Smith Storytelling through dance has the power to educate and inspire, and even more, to move to action. As part of California’s coordinated response to a nationwide increase in hate, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), alongside state and community partners, has initiated programs in concert with CA vs Hate legislation, launched in ...

By Dianne Anderson Out of school and out of work is not an obstacle for one recent group of youth getting ready to take their place in space for a future they may have only glimpsed in video games with drones, satellites, spacecraft, propulsion and rockets. In the coming weeks, nearly 30 youth are exploring ...

On Saturday, August 10, Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena) hosted his annual Back to School Resource Fair and Backpack Giveaway at Compton College. The event distributed more than 1,400 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to local students. “Education is one of the most powerful tools for progress that a society has,” Senator Bradford said. “But ...

This fall, the City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) will once again offer programs to engage youth during after school hours. The After School Programs are for children ages 5 to 12 and will take place at varying times per location, weekdays from Aug. 26 through Dec. 20, 2024.  This is a free ...

Community members are invited to join the City of Long Beach as it celebrates the grand reopening of the Scherer Park Community Center. The special event will include remarks by Mayor Rex Richardson, Eighth District Councilmember Al Austin II and the Departments of Parks, Recreation and Marine and Public Works, as well as a ceremonial ...

The City of Long Beach and the Office of Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie present the 13th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival, taking place on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave., in Long Beach). The afternoon event will feature a lineup of incredible music and entertainment, a ...

By Dianne Anderson Whether youth want to get into law enforcement or fire department careers –  or not – they can still access free training for skills that last a lifetime and look great on their resume, like certified emergency response, CPR, crowd control, and more. Soon, Long Beach youth programs are expected to fill ...

by Barbara Smith Photos by Earl Edwards Historically artists have used their creativity and platforms to challenge the status quo, inspire movements, and drive social change. In keeping with this continuum, a coterie of committed artists, advocates for social justice and community members gathered at Santa Ana College last week for an interactive concert, “Artists ...

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Sr Natl Correspondent As he continues to battle the twice-impeached and 34-times-convicted felon and Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump, President Joe Biden has not stopped working to improve the lives of the poor, disadvantaged, and disenfranchised. In his latest effort to level the playing field, Biden announced a series ...