Black lives matter in Long Beach and everywhere.
Long Beach Heritage stands in unity with people of all races—with those whose voices have not been heard—and we commit to the work we must do to support justice and equality.
We know this work will be challenging, constant, and everlasting. The field of preservation has always lacked diversity, and our organization is no exception.
The small steps we’ve taken haven’t been enough, and we will seek more guidance and collaboration from the community.
At the very least, the city’s designated landmarks must reflect the full breadth of our cultural heritage. Places where history has been made help us connect with generations who fought for the freedoms that continue to elude people of color. These places allow us to strengthen our communities by understanding their stories—in all respects.
We know that racial justice requires far more than recognizing historic places. But as a start, we’ll be highlighting these places in the days ahead to see how we can learn from them.
Together, let’s dive into our complicated history and build a more inclusive story of, with, and for the community. We will do the hard work of making real change, as part of a transformation long overdue.