We invite Long Beach residents to join us in an OPEN CONVERSATION

On February 20, 2018, the Long Beach City Council took the first step toward creating an African American Cultural Center that would celebrate Black history, arts and culture. Spearheaded by Councilman Al Austin in concert with Vice Mayor Rex Richardson and Councilman Dee Andrews, the City Manager Office was directed to search for potential locations for the center and is actively compiling a list.

Long Beach is home to many Black pioneers in the fields of education, arts, science and politics. As part of that process, Austin has partnered with the Arts Council for Long Beach for an Open Conversation on creating the first African American Cultural Center in Long Beach. Along with ACLB President Tasha Hunter, Dr. Michael Datcher will co-moderate the conversation to help gather suggestions, concerns and visions of how this center will best serve Long Beach. Speaker include: David and Sharon McLucas (Forgotten Images), Olufemi (Theo) and Max Viltz (Village Treasures), and Ryan and Nicole Ballard (African American Historical Society).