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NBC correspondent reporter Shaquille Brewster selected as graduation speaker

Veronica Towers
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NBC correspondent reporter Shaquille Brewster selected as graduation speaker

Every year LBCC nominates an individual to give a commencement speech for graduation. In 2023, that honor belongs to Shaquille Brewster, a correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC.

During Black History Month in 2020, Brewster came to LBCC to talk about African Americans and the power of their vote.

“When it came time to think of a commencement speaker, I reflected on his talk and I just thought he would be a great individual,” Superintendent-President Mike Munoz said.

Three years ago, “It was a different audience… I talked about the role African Americans will play in the upcoming election,” Brewster said.

When asked about his speech this year, Brewster said,  “It is a tremendous honor. It’ll be good to be back on campus… I want to connect my journey to the graduates.”

At the age of 20, Brewster graduated summa cum laude from Howard University with a major in broadcast journalism and a minor in political science. 

At Howard, he was the executive producer for WHUT, the Howard University Television Network based in Washington D.C.

WHUT was established in 1980 and was the first public station to be operated at a historically Black college and university. 

Brewester’s most notable work was covering the 2016 and 2020 elections and Derek Chauvin, in the George Floyd murder trial. He considers himself a “road warrior” for his willingness to travel extensively which has become a standard for him.

“He works really hard and will be in multiple states in a single day. Most of his life he travels non-stop,” said NBC producer Kailani Koenig. “He has seen the entire country.”

While he is coming to LBCC as a speaker, Brewster is most looking forward to interacting with students and learning from them.

LBCC’s 2023 commencement ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. on June 8 at LAC.

LBCC debuts APID cultural fashion show

Veronica Towers
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LBCC debuts APID cultural fashion show

Inside the Nordic Lounge at the LAC campus, 50 attendees excitedly waited for the first-ever LBCC APID cultural fashion show on Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. 

APID is the acronym that represents Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi or Indian groups and the month of May has been dedicated as APID Month. 

In particular, LBCC represents and celebrates the month with the theme of amplification through unification, which intends to unify students of color through events, clubs and meetings.

Event coordinator Alex Luong gave further insight regarding APID culture and history.

“I think that for a lot of APID cultures fashion is an essential part of our heritage. For a lot of folks we come from history of either getting our culture taken away from us, through genocide, through colonization, through oppression; celebrating our fashion is really an opportunity for us to dig into our past, which is so essential to what makes us who we are today. It’s very important to celebrate,” said Luong.

The Nordic Lounge was Southeast Asian themed with a long red carpet that ran down the middle and rows of chairs on the right and left side, designed to look like a fashion show set up. It had details of Chinese lunar paper lanterns on the sides of the aisle and pacific islander Hanalei flower necklaces that were handed out to fashion show attendees. 

Jamie Pigao, representing Tahiti and Hawaii, during a solo performance at LBCC’s APID fashion show. (Lauren Benson)

Amidst the chaotic atmosphere was a busy dressing room filled with LBCC students and staff who were scheduled to strut down a runway to show off their colorful, traditional clothes. 

“I feel that the fashion show industry really makes a bold statement due to our cultural dresses. You know what we wear really says alot about our tradition, our culture, and our upbringing. So I feel that has a big part of who we are in this API community,” said Chelsea Reyes, an LBCC alumni and makeup artist. 

The event kicked off in the late evening with event coordinator Alex Luong as well as API club members giving announcements and speeches on what it means to be a part of APID as LBCC students.

The opening performance was a Vietnamese-inspired piano piece reminiscent of bittersweet nostalgia which left audience members entranced by its haunting melody.

A second performance followed as a Pacific Islander club member sang ‘My Way’ by Frank Sinatra. 

The fashion show itself started off with traditional Cambodian outfits worn by LBCC students and staff. 

From there the rest of the fashion pieces ranged from Japanese yukatas, Korean hanboks, Cambodian sarong skirts, to Indian and Filipino men’s dress shirts and pants.

There were all sorts of patterns and delicate designs on the dresses which caused a stir with audience members cheering and applauding the traditional clothing of the South East Asian culture and aesthetic. 

Overall, the cultural fashion show was a testament to showing off LBCC students and staff wearing traditional Southeast Asian clothing with pride.

  • Mia Fama (center) and LBCC counselor Judy Oh (right) took to the the runway for a final bow in traditional Korean Hanboks at LBCC’s APID fashion show. (Lauren Benson)
  • Moments before the LBCC APID fashion show the models added final touches to their looks like this Apsara crown, a traditional piece of the Cambodian costume. (Lauren Benson)
  • Pallavy Noeun walked the runway, representing Cambodia, in a traditional Apsara costume. (Lauren Benson)
  • Sokpagna Lim, represents Cambodia, walked the runway at LBCC’s APID fashion show. (Lauren Benson)
  • Rekhsa Rex Somm performs Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” to open LBCC’s APID fashion show. (Lauren Benson)
  • Jazlynnrose Buckner performs a traditional Samoan dance during LBCC’s APID fashion show. (Lauren Benson)
  • Carmela Tanoy and Erik Dylan Perez, representing the Phillipines, walk the runway at LBCC’s APID fashion show on May, 10 2023. (Lauren Benson)
  • Jazlynnrose Buckner, represents Samoa, walked the runway at LBCC’s APID fashion show on May, 10 2023. (Lauren Benson)
  • Liliana Martinez is all smiles backstage after LBCC’s APID fashion show on May, 10 2023. (Lauren Benson)

PCC holds Viking Preview Day for vocational programs

Veronica Towers
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PCC holds Viking Preview Day for vocational programs

The Long Beach based food truck Savage Tacos was spotted parked by several booths giving away small gifts while a security DJ played upbeat tunes at the LBCC Viking preview day.

On April 27, at the PCC quad Viking Preview Day was held to welcome and introduce students to a variety of classes and programs for future Viking students. 

The event welcomed people of all ages but was geared towards middle and high school students along with returning LBCC students who are looking to register for the upcoming semester. 

Towards the end of the booth line by the JJ Building, the broadcasting crew was seen interviewing faculty directors. 

In one of the booths, two faculty members were distributing applications for high school students that were interested in taking higher-level classes on campus. 

LBCC’s broadcast department interviews Vallary, a faculty and aspiring teacher to an online streaming platform on Thursday, April 27, 2023. (Lesly Gonzalez)

Former LBCC student only identified as Prejahle, or  “Pre”  transferred to CSULB and is now working with Vallary Rreum at LBCC to pursue a career in education as an aspiring teacher. 

They greeted people and offered flyers with applications to sign up high school students who are interested in taking higher-level classes. 

“I grew up in the south as California campuses have different environments and cultures,” said Pre with a smile.

“I was able to finish high school quicker, because I was able to take college classes in high school. As programs like these encourage students to continue their education to the college level,” added Pre. 

Some of the other booths were set up along the JJ and RR buildings by the Automotive Technology trades building and the Electrical Engineering trades. 

The booth associated with the architecture program displayed a miniature house for the purpose of teaching students how to build houses and all sorts of repairs, such as electrical engineering for wires. 

Part-time instructor Martin Silva was located in the electrical booth, greeting and speaking to people who were interested.

“This is some of the projects that the students have made” Said Silva in reference to a tiny model house.

An entirely new building is being built and designed by architects and designers on campus. A building that is set to house a faculty workspace on campus, while also providing a space for student architects and builders. 

The Pacific Coast Campus II building hosts many of the trade programs such as welding, metal and fabrication. This is where the hands-on shops and classrooms with tools and equipment are located. 

At the end of the booth line, the automotive technology department displayed the engine parts they were working on. 

Automotive professor Danny Tan speaks with a family about car repair and automotive classes during Viking Preview Day. The event took place at Long Beach City College Pacific Coast Campus as a way to promote vocational courses to future LBCC students. (Lesly Gonzalez)

The tour of the shop displayed the cars students of the automotive department were working on. The cars on display were either bought or donated to the school. Some of these cars included a Mercedes, BMW’s and more. 

Display cars were being fixed by those in class to prepare them for higher-paying jobs working on cars. 

Student and staff member Robert Rosales was able to show the cars that were being worked on. 

Rosales also explained the paid opportunity that exists for certain classes that teach students to be enrolled in automotive repair.

Special Olympics Southern California comes to LBCC

vikingnews
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Special Olympics Southern California comes to LBCC

Long Beach City College revealed a new partnership with Special Olympics Southern California, allowing SOSC athletes to utilize the facilities at LBCC.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics in 1968 after realizing the injustice for people with intellectual disabilities. Just a year later, Olympic decathlon gold medalist Rafer Johnson founded the Western Regional Special Olympics.

Practice meetings for SOSC athletes will be held every Tuesday and Thursdays. Currently, spring sports are in session, starting February and ending in June.

Sports that are offered during the spring season are basketball, bocce, flag football, swimming and athletics. 

“The Special Olympics gets my son to come out after his day programs and gets his body moving,” said Thomas’ father Benny Richardson, Special Olympics athletics coach.

Their mission is to promote acceptance, inclusion, physical and mental well-being for people with intellectual disabilities with the help of sports and exercise.

Tommy Tran supports his daughter Dawn by participating in the Special Olympics Southern California practice meeting at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The final summer sports games will be held on June 10-11, 2023 at CSULB. (Andrea Lawrence)

Many of the athletes, ranging in age, have participated in the SOSC games for many years.

“Once they’re here, they love it,” said Jen Trotman, Special Olympics athletics coach.

Joshua Woodall, a basketball player, came to the special olympics when he was just 17 years old and continues to participate now as a 31 year old. 

“I love it! I’ve learned how to do layups and tricks,” said Joshua Woodall.

The SOSC helps assist athletes with special needs to get active, build confidence and socialize. 

Shriver’s and Johnson’s legacy carries on through Special Olympic athletes, coaches and volunteers today who continue to advocate and support people with intellectual disabilities. 

The final athletics meet will be held June 10th and 11th at CSULB.

Superintendent president congratulates LBCC’s 2023 graduates 

Veronica Towers
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Superintendent president congratulates LBCC’s 2023 graduates 

Superintendent President Mike Munoz gave a speech at LBCC’s Gradfest event, explaining how much it means for the faculty and staff to celebrate the incoming graduating class of 2023 and their accomplishments throughout the years. 

“For the students that are going to be graduating, it’s important we take a moment’s pause and really just honor their tenacity and everything that they went through. This is a very special class. This class either started at the start of the pandemic or went through their educational experience through the pandemic,” said Munoz.

Students visit booths in the E quad at LAC to celebrate the 2023 graduates at LBCC’s Gradfest. Booths with free food and drinks were available throughout the event. (Lauren Benson)

“To be able to be out here in the quad filled with students’ energy to celebrate their accomplishments it’s really important. As for the students who might not be ready to graduate they will be able to see the energy out here, this could be a source of motivation to be like ‘Yes I can keep going when things get tough at times,’ added Munoz.

Rows of club booths with various games were present, free food and drinks were available for students to grab and go to. 

A karaoke station was set up and students were able to request songs to sing.

A DJ set played trendy music, while a barbecue station served up veggie and char burgers along with soft drinks, and snacks to students. The boba stand in particular gained traction with long lines of students waiting patiently for their dairy and non-dairy drinks.

However, the booth that attracted the most students was the cap and gown station where graduating students were in line to purchase their cap and gowns as well as take graduation photos.

LBCC bookstore manager Ruth Rameriz was in charge of the cap and gown booth and expressed how the booth workers as a whole wanted to make graduating students feel special and proud while purchasing and taking pictures in their gowns.

“We try to make it special for them as possible selling cap and gowns for graduating students,” said Ramirez.

LBCC graduating student Tifanny Henry expressed her excitement for the annual LBCC graduation ceremony and how much it would mean for her family to see her walk in the ceremony. 

“This is definitely exciting because I’ve never been to something like this. My parents are excited. They cannot wait, it’s going to be a hectic day,” said Henry. 

In the afternoon, live band Those Guys performed song covers such as Stevie Wonder’s “Superstitions” and Bruno Mars’ “24k Magic.” 

Onlookers enjoyed the music and danced while visiting each booth.

  • LBCC president Mike Munoz dances and mingles with students at the 2023 Gradfest at LAC. (Lauren Benson)
  • LBCC student Kyle Marquez sings karaoke on the E quad lawn during LBCC’s 2023 Gradfest. (Lauren Benson)
  • Dennis Rodriguez, member of the band Those Guys, entertained the crowd at LBCC’s 2023 Gradfest. (Lauren Benson)
  • LBCC student Kiara Padua plays a game of cornhole on the E quad lawn. (Lauren Benson)
  • Students Fionna Bennett and Mara Stanford enjoy karaoke on the E quad lawn. The karaoke booth was open to all who wanted to sing. (Lauren Benson)

Professor Annahita Mahdavi West reads book of poems at PCC

Veronica Towers
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Professor Annahita Mahdavi West reads book of poems at PCC

30 people filled classroom Q112 at LBCC to eagerly listen to Annahita Mahdavi West read her new poetry book about her connections to her homeland through the art of poetry. 

West is known for her political activism on current events but is also a professor of Human Services and Addiction Studies at LBCC. 

West held her poetry reading and book signing event which centered around healing and easing on May 4 at the PCC campus with her husband, well-known philosopher Cornel West right alongside her.

Inside the dimly lit classroom, which had tables stacked with copies of West’s Poetry book “Dusty Relics”, she read four of her poems aloud.

Cornel West introduces wife Annahita Mahdavi West who read her latest work of poetry untitled “Dusty Relics” at LBCC’s PCC. (Lauren Benson)

The poems were titled ‘The Ones that Won’t be Back’, ‘City of War’, ‘Daughter Child’ and ‘Dancing Hair’ to the audience members. 

When asked about the inspiration behind the title of her poetry book, West was quick to answer.

“I think I did that because it is something that has really stayed with me. It’s connected to my history. Even though relics can be dusty and still there and never gone, I feel like the events and memories and history can get to a form of an antic,” said West. 

In these poems, West discussed her struggles as not only a refugee but an Iranian immigrant who has overcome challenges posed by living through the Iranian and Iraq war in 1980.

She also spoke on motherhood and her recollection of memories that involved the war and tragedy in her homeland and the people she had lost along the way.  

Her husband, public intellectual and well-known philosopher Cornel West was sitting proudly by her side and had words of love and support for his partner. Passionately, he spoke to the crowd of attendees.

“Annahita is a human being who uses language by means of imagination and empathy to get inside others and try to get us to be vulnerable enough to get inside of others no matter what color, gender, sexual orientation, or nation. The deeper human level. In that sense, I am deeply uplifted. I’ve always wondered what it is about the Persians that they would produce such towering poets in the history of the species. It’s a mystery in some ways. My beloved Annahita is a poetic genius.” 

When West read her rather intimate works aloud, many people in the audience seemed touched by the words.

LBCC board of trustee Robyn Gordon Peterson was entranced and inspired by West. Peterson recalls a time when she learned to heal her inner child from studying under West.

“I studied under Dr. Mahdavi and that was when I was able to recognize my childhood trauma. I had always kept it buried, and through her coursework and talking to us about trauma, and how to nurture and how to take care of that child I returned to therapy to start working on it,” said Peterson.

“When I had got the flier that she had written a book of poetry, I had to come because I knew that there would be more ways for me to recognize what occurred and know that I am okay,” added Peterson. 

LBCC honors APID Heritage Month with live performances

Veronica Towers
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LBCC honors APID Heritage Month with live performances

Correction: An initial version of this story contained a misspelling of the word taiko. It has been corrected.

The Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi (APID)  heritage month kickoff was in full swing with food vendors on every corner of the quad and a stage ready for performances and guest speakers to welcome students. 

LBCC held its kick-off event at the LAC campus in the A quad on May 4 to celebrate heritage from north to southeast Asia, including Pacific Islander and Desi cultures. 

The theme for the event was amplification through unification for students, which intends to unify students of color through events, clubs and meetings.

Alicia Kirkwood (left) and Telia Robertson (right red shirt) talk and celebrate APID Heritage Month at the LAC campus A quad on May 4. (Grace Jones)

“I think we are such a diverse group, so it is important to represent all the different groups on campus. To be here is to represent that we are all American,” said full-time faculty member Aliana Yang. Stands of clubs that students could join to be more included in on-campus life were seen throughout the quad.

According to Yang, it is a must that APID is known and welcomed at LBCC. 

Superintendent President Mike Munoz gave a speech about racial equity and the importance of APID. 

His message was delivered alongside powerful speeches on inclusivity and welcoming students of Asian descent from Japanese language professor Hiromi Takahashi and Interim Director of Student Life & Conduct Telia Robertson. 

Telia Robertson then spoke on the importance of getting APID students more events and appreciation in the LBCC community

“Amplification for unification is really just letting everyone know who we are as Asian Pacific islanders, staff faculty, we want our students to know that this is their village. Also, to uplift our voices, there are not a lot of programs focused on our Asian pacific islander students. The Mona learning community has just opened up. Our staff APID has just opened up, now they can have a place to go,” said Robertson. 

The first on-stage performance opened with the Taiko Center of Los Angeles, a Japanese-inspired drum band consisting of four members playing the Japanese Taiko drums that are usually played at cultural festivals. 

The Taiko band performed a piece called ‘Aranami’ which represents turbulent waves, inspired by Hachijo island in Japan, and was taken from a festival modernized into a festive fun song. 

Taiko band member Reese Buckway describes her experience playing the Taiko drums as euphoric and gratifying when in front of an audience. 

“It gives me serotonin and I’m glad the audience liked it. It’s good to see positive reactions,” said Buckway.

The last performance was by a three-man band performing the song ‘Kickback’ by Kenshi Yonez, which excited student onlookers as well as LBCC faculty and staff.

The Original Renaissance Faire sees its busiest weekend of the season

Veronica Towers
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The Original Renaissance Faire sees its busiest weekend of the season

Hundreds of attendees of all ages played archery games, enjoyed food and rode swings pushed by men while dressed up as elves, mushrooms and other woodland beings at the 2023 Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire Cottage Core-themed weekend.

Cottage Core, the aesthetic movement based on the picturesque fields found in the English countryside inspired several of the outfits seen at the fair. Attendees visibly poured hours of work into their outfits.

The themed fair was held on May 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Santa Fe Recreation Area in Irwindale, California and despite the warm weather, guests stayed committed to their extravagant and layered attire.

According to the box office worker Carolyn Wheeler, while the fair is used to large crowds the attendance this time was higher than on a usual weekend.

For those who didn’t come to the event in costume, stands with props and outfits for sale were spread throughout the fairgrounds, including a booth dedicated to selling flower crowns. 

Flower crown maker with Tudor Roses, Marty Kuhne makes a crown to represent the theme of the weekend, Cottage Core. The Original Renaissance Faire will go on every weekend until May 21, 2023. (Veronica Towers)

The crowns were even decorated to fit with the weekend’s theme, as mushrooms were woven into the traditionally all-floral crowns, a motif that is especially popular in cottage core styles.

“I had never heard of the term (cottage core),” said flower crown maker Marty Kuhne, “but we’ve been sneaking in mushrooms, they’re supposed to be poisonous.”

Ren faire attendee Laine Hunkler works for Cirque du Soleil as a makeup and wig artist and used her talents to cultivate her own costume and face paint.

She and her friend have driven out from Las Vegas to California every year for the past 8 years to attend the fair as a birthday tradition. 

Hunkler was dressed in an intricate costume complete with a dragon puppet she named Sage. She built her own staff but pieced together the outfit through pre-existing items.

When compared to a completely handmade costume she made last year for the fair, people seemed to like this one better, according to Hunkler.

The Original Pleasure Renaissance Faire closes on May 21 with tickets ranging from $21-42. Those interested in purchasing tickets can visit renfair.com/socal/tickets.

LBCC offers car repair workshop at PCC

Casper Torres
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LBCC offers car repair workshop at PCC

Many may agree cars are confusing, with the endless parts that it takes to build and maintain one, people may have difficulty doing it alone. 

However LBCC, with an award winning mechanical and automotive technology department that has taught generations of students, sought a way to remedy that.

On Friday April 21, a mechanics clinic and workshop was held at the PCC, where people who were interested in minor repairs and tips from professional mechanics and student mechanics could drive or walk in to get their cars fixed and learn about tires. 

Mechanical engineer and LBCC professor Danny Tan provided his services for the workshop. 

The department has continued in its effort to teach those who are interested in the fields of automotive technology and mechanics to receive a certificate from LBCC that will help them navigate to a higher paying job.

The workshop taught participants several basic car maintenance techniques, including measuring treadwear, tire pressure and general tips for ensuring your tires last as long as possible. 

“It’s for people getting ready for summer trips and the people who are going on the road,” Tan said. 

Tan went over some tire facts that could help those who are thinking about the care and quality of their tires. 

He showed participants how to read their treadwear number and traction grade. 

Treadwear shows the wear rate of a tire. The greater the number, the longer a tire should last. 

The traction grade of tires is given in letter grades and gives drivers a gauge on how far they should stop from the stop sign on wet roads. The higher the grade, the shorter the stopping distance, with AA as the highest followed by A, B and C as the lowest. 

Jimbo Perry, a community member, was one person to get his car repaired. Originally from Brooklyn, New York and a former mechanic, he attended the workshop to get tips from the mechanics on campus.

“All my life I’ve been working fixing cars and aircraft,” he said. “It’s my first time on a higher level education campus.”

Perry also gave advice for those who may find dealing with car maintenance to be complicated or frustrating.

“It is important to find peace in yourself when you can’t do things,” Perry said.

Perry left with a smile to have been able to be part of the workshop. 

Tan taught observers how to read tire numbers and symbols to find their vehicle’s suggested maximum load and maximum speed for their specific tires. 

Maintaining these limits ensures tires last long and help drivers avoid potential accidents, especially for those who drive long distances or do deliveries. 

He also advised people to regularly check their tire pressure as it could preemptively stop flat tires.

In the end the workshop was successful in providing attendees, simple car-tire knowledge as well as a repair for Mr. Jimbo Perry. 

Barbers provide advice and haircuts for Black students success week

Veronica Towers
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Barbers provide advice and haircuts for Black students success week

The entrance outside LAC’s A building was filled with bustling energy as barbers, food vendors and a DJ came on campus for a Black student success week event on campus.

R&B music and heavy beats played on speakers, as students and faculty were in lines for southern-style soul food, which consisted of grilled chicken, macaroni and cheese, cornbread and greens. 

Event coordinator and counselor Erania Freeman gave a warm welcome to students and kicked off the event with a strong sense of community and common interests for black student success week. 

“It’s an opportunity for them to connect with other men, to discuss things they are both experiencing and to gain support and encouragement. There is a definite need for these communities, it’s a need for people to feel they belong,”  Freeman said.

The barber stations were just as popular as the food vendors. In particular, the LBCC basketball and football teams were found patiently waiting for their hair to be cut. 

LBCC football player Mark Estelle, who was sitting at the first barber shop station, received the tapered haircut along with his other teammates. Many students specifically requested faded and tapered haircuts.

Political science professor Jerome Hunt gave a speech on the Black male experience and the importance of coming together as a community as Black men to not only bond but to be vulnerable with each other on touchy subjects such as race issues. 

Political science professor Jerome Hunt gives a speech and introduction to kick off the barber shop event at the LAC quad on April 27. (Grace Jones)

Umoja club member Elijah Bankston had much to say about the brotherhood and what it means to be a Black man, having a purpose and sense of self in a society where it is not the norm.

“The purpose is to get Black men out. Black men especially feel like it’s hard for them to be unique and truly themselves. They have to act a certain way, portray themselves a certain way. So they feel like they have to live up to certain expectations,” Bankston said.

In American society,  stereotypes, and harmful perceptions have always been placed on African Americans. Bankston goes into depth of how triggering and harmful these things can be. 

Bankston elaborates on black culture and what real brotherhood is, rather than how Black Americans are perceived through a societal lens whether that be through the media or news. 

“As you can see at this event there are no guns, violence, talking about nothing crazy, we are just living our life. Men like myself-men of color that are good can be cool. Somebody actually told me something yesterday. This man asked ‘what does it mean to be hood?’ as in ghetto or something. Hood is short for neighborhood. When did the neighbor get taken out of the hood? Unity and community is what we are trying to push right now.”   Bankston added. 

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