It’s important that LBCC shows their support for students of color. A great way to do this is by showing representation in one of the biggest, eye catching methods which is through murals.
Diversity in the city of Long Beach has always been a big topic and Long Beach City College is no different.
For many students, they feel the pressure of being a person of color on a daily basis.
Over the past few years, more unjust actions have come to light towards not only Black or African Americans, but towards minorities and people of color.
The city of Long Beach has over 50 percent of a white demographic and students should have the opportunity to feel represented when at school and in Long Beach.
Even though there is more that everyone can do to help those of color feel accepted, murals are a great starting point. When a student walks past a wall painted with images of people that look like them, they will be able to see and feel the support from the school.
Supporting the placement of murals throughout Long Beach City College can help show support for all students dealing with racial injustice. Adding murals of those that we have lost due to injustice in America, like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, will help the public to realize that LBCC sees the issue and is willing to be an ally.
There are 86 percent people of color at LBCC, according to College Simply, and it is not a number that should be easily overlooked or underappreciated.
Since February 2020, the world has been witnessing harsh measures that have been taken towards Asians and Asian-Americans, resulting in the Stop Asian Hate movement.
Anti-Asian hate crimes increased 114 percent in Los Angeles in 2020.
As of 2021, according to the World Population Review, the city of Long Beach has recorded a population of 456,154. Out of this population, about 12.7 percent is Black or African American.
It’s important that the school, with it’s diversity, works hard at supporting everyone in the community.
Murals can be placed on the outer walls of the Pacific Coast Campus’s new parking structure. This is a great place to expose the art to the city as well.
Another spot a mural can be placed in ison the GG building near the administration building at PCC.
This leaves a great chance to hire local artists, as well as art students who have a powerful voice and story to share.
We could hold annual contests, including the students or the Long Beach Community. People could vote for their favorite designs or artists online to show their support.
This could also be assigned to student artists, where they can earn extra credit or a grade for their classes.
This would be a great proposal to bring up to the Long Beach Board of Trustees.
One of the key pillars of success for students is a good foundation and support system. With everything minorities have to overcome, achieving success at school should not be blocked because of a lack of comfort or feeling of acceptance.