Long Beach City College marked a significant milestone on Apr. 22, a moment of pride for all, with the official opening of the Black Student Success Center.
Enriching celebrations and speeches given by faculty and students honored the cultural identity and significance of the Black Student Success Center.
“We are excited this project has finally happened for our students. It is a place where our students’ diversity will be honored and respected and valued,” Vivian Malauulu said, Board of Trustees President.
The goal of the newly opened center is to share knowledge, resources and support to uplift students in an environment where their educational goals are solidified.
LBCC board of trustee member Uduak-Joe Ntuk, the first African-American male to serve in this capacity in over two decades, played an integral role in the creation of the BSSC.
“This is a resource location where staff will be present, and meetings can be held by students, where the Keeping it 100 panels will be held, and a series of support and connections for students to ensure they are successful,” said Ntuk.
Additionally, the impact of racism will constantly be examined, the importance of the collective will be emphasized, and intersectionality will be honored and respected.
The event included performances by African drummers and a singing of the Black national anthem.
Joey Smith, Umoja Club Vice President, discusses the Black Student Success Center’s meaning to Umoja students, “it gives us a space to not only hold ourselves accountable as Black students but also have a space for us to feel seen and heard within our struggles,” Smith said.
The Framework of Reconciliation was created after the tragic murder of George Floyd, it is an initiative to establish clear strategies and services to address systemic racism at LBCC and to close equity gaps that Black students face.
LBCC promises to dismantle barriers that have hindered Black students.
“Our goal is to help every student reach their dreams. We are here to support them and provide equitable education to Long Beach students,” Ntuk said.
With a $30 Million donation from the Mackenzie Scott Foundation, the largest donation in the school’s history, LBCC will continue to prioritize engaging in race-conscious and equity-minded practices that will establish an inclusive campus community.
Superintendent President Mike Munoz and Uduak-Joe Ntuk cutting the ribbon to the BSSC. (Alison Doherty)
Superintendent President Mike Muñoz, speaks on the driving force for opening the Black Student Success Center.
“We have been on a journey to make sure all students feel like they matter and they belong. As we engaged in different student climate surveys, we realized our Black students have reported lower levels of feeling like they matter at LBCC. We felt it was important to think of a strategy that would help increase the sense of matter and belonging, thus the creation of the Black Student Success Center,” States Muñoz.
Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen provided free food, and exciting giveaways were also held after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Thank you to everyone who played a role in this. On behalf of the board of trustees, we applaud your effort and encourage you to continue,” Malauulu said.