On March 5, Long Beach City College hosted a kick off event to celebrate the start of Women’s History Month.
This celebration provided refreshments and resources for women of color, offering a space for people to join together and listen to each other’s stories.
During the event, several speakers took the stage, one of which included student Aniya Lewis, who performed a song from the production “The Color Purple.”
When asked about why she opted for singing rather than a speech, Lewis said, “Singing and performing has been a medium where I can showcase how I feel.”
When Lewis was asked about if she felt she effectively gave her message to her audience, she went on to describe her reasoning behind the song and its meaning.
“This helps signify these trials and tribulations for women that experienced it in the past, and how we have achieved so much now. This was the perfect song to sing,” said Lewis.
Another speaker that took the stage was Karla Aguiniga, who is best known for her art exhibits held at LBCC’s art gallery on the LAC campus.
Located in the V building, this on campus art exhibit displays pieces created both by students and other members of the local Long Beach community, and entry is completely free.
Last year some exhibits included the “2024 Alumni Exhibition” or “Natural Encounters,” which showcased pieces from a mother daughter duo who had created art together to demonstrate themes of ecology and sustainability.
Aguiniga went on to describe her life and the tribulations that came along with being a Mexican-American, speaking about what it was like growing up in Tijuana, Mexico.
Aguiniga said, “ I just get so emotional when talking about this subject.”
Another woman in attendance was Angela Fowlkes, who works at the Black Student Success Center as part of the leadership team, assists in events, and helps unite students of color.
When asked about the event and her participation in it she said, “ I feel blessed to be invited in this Women’s History Month to be able to be seen.”
The kickoff was decorated in bouquets of flowers and Fowlkes encouraged attendees to take the flowers while also picking some for herself.
When asked what events like this mean to Fowlkes, she said, “That you’re worth it, you can do it.”