Applications accepted through February 28 for youth ages 13 to 18   The Long Beach Public Library (LBPL), in partnership with the Arts Council for Long Beach and supported by Urban Word NYC, is launching the 2024 Long Beach Youth Poet Laureate (YPL) program. Applications for the program, which brings Long Beach youth the opportunity ...

By Dianne Anderson Pulling together hundreds of volunteers to serve thousands of Long Beachers for a day of endless attractions, live entertainment, food, health resources, and a kidzone is no small feat. Add to that all the glam of twirlers, gleam of steppers, floats, grand marshals and band marchers who are living the dream of ...

By Dianne Anderson If anyone wonders whether HIV/AIDS is still a thing – the answer is yes. Despite the huge decrease in death over the last decade, the higher rate of HIV continues to impact the Black community. Dr. Anissa Davis feels the concern is still on the radar for health providers. “I think we ...

By Dianne Anderson At about $1.27 a pound, no shortage of turkeys this year with even better deals in store for those with enough money to spend on the annual feast. But getting one for free with all the fixins’ is another story. Pat Dixon waited all last week on word whether or not she ...

Mayor Rex Richardson announced that applications to serve on the City’s new Police Oversight Commission are now open. The Commission is a critical new mechanism for accountability in our city, and Mayor Richardson is calling on all interested members of the community to apply. “Serving on the Police Oversight Commission is a unique opportunity to ...

By Dianne Anderson It stands to reason that if African Americans are 13% of the national population, but 40% of the homeless population, then seniors need to be more vigilant than ever when it comes to aging in place. Evictions and sky-high rents are pushing the elderly to the fringe of society. Long time community ...

City Manager Tom Modica announced the appointment of Alison King as the Acting Director for the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department), effective Oct. 28. Currently serving as the Bureau Manager for the Housing Authority of the City of Long Beach (Housing Authority), Ms. King brings to the position five years ...

By Dianne Anderson Darlene Burke seemed the least likely candidate to be in a relationship with an inmate. She holds her degree from UCLA, is a successful real estate agent of 22 years with a big name company, and is a God-fearing woman. But, she said the heart wants what the heart wants. Women and ...

By Dianne Anderson Across the nation, high profile strikes are taking center stage with thousands of workers revisiting some tried and true solidarity tactics of their parents and grandparents, who picketed for power, better pay and benefits. They are holding the line for their rights, filing petitions for union elections, and collective bargaining at a ...

By Dianne Anderson For no other reason than poverty, Black moms are at the whim of the social service system that keeps them in the spotlight of mandated reporters who are trained to not ask questions or investigate, but just report. Charity Chandler-Cole said for all the claims of abuse or neglect coming out of ...