Center of Black Student Excellence


Black Student Achievement Initiative
Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) has made considerable strides toward excellence and equity throughout the district. The Black Student Achievement Initiative (BSAI) launched in 2021 and offers a range of programs that support liberatory environments and aim to improve outcomes for Black students and families within the district.

Center of Black Student Excellence
Center of Black Student Excellence Purpose Statement
The LBUSD Center of Black Student Excellence serves as a beacon for Black student success, dedicated to uplifting, nurturing, and empowering Black students. Rooted in Sankofa, collective striving, and community partnership, the Center is committed to elevating Black history, culture, and innovation to help students thrive personally, socially, and academically. We create an environment that adapts to the needs of Black students and fosters their ability to be resilient advocates for themselves and their community through leadership development, mentorship, and deeper learning.
Videos
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Contact the CBSE: (562) 366-2245
Hours of Operation:
8AM-4:30PM Monday-Friday
Address:
1022 E. Market St, Long Beach, CA 90805
(On the corner of Market & Olive)
Center of Black Student Excellence Calendar
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Learn More About Our Programs
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Contact Us - Phone: (562) 366-2245
Dr. Norma Spencer
Director, Center of Black Student Excellence
562-366-2242
NSpencer@lbschools.net
Dr. Norma Spencer serves as the Director of the Center of Black Student Excellence. In this role, she is dedicated to advancing the academic, personal, and professional success of Black students across the community. The mission of the Center is to foster an environment where Black students, families, and the community are supported, empowered, and inspired to achieve excellence at every stage of the educational journey.
Working alongside committed partners, educators, mentors, community leaders, and families, Dr. Spencer leads efforts to create lasting change by addressing the unique challenges faced by Black students. Through tailored academic support, college and career readiness programs, leadership development, and community engagement, the Center ensures that every student has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
At the heart of the Center’s work is the belief in the power of collaboration. Dr. Spencer emphasizes that community support and involvement are essential as, together, we uplift and empower the next generation of leaders.
Ms. Jamilah Jackson
Site Specialist for the Center of Black Student Excellence
JRagland@lbschools.net
Ms. Jamilah Jackson serves as the Site Specialist for the Center of Black Student Excellence, where she plays a vital role in supporting both the Center and the broader community. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to ensuring that programs and initiatives run smoothly, with a focus on creating welcoming, affirming spaces for students, families, and community partners. Ms. Jackson provides essential coordination for events, manages communication and logistics, and ensures that the vision of the Center is brought to life through planning and collaboration with our community.
Dr. Pamela Lovett
Excellence & Equity Coordinator
Phone: 562-366-2246
PLovett@lbschools.net
Dr. Elyssa Taylor-Stewart
Administrator, Community Engagement
Phone: 562-366-2240
ETaylor@lbschools.net
Dr. Dayna Belvin
Administrator of Social Emotional Wellness
Phone: 562-366-2241
DBelvin@lbschools.net
Mr. Gerald Brown
Teacher on Special Assignment
Middle School Program
Phone: 562-366-2253
GBrown3@lbschools.net
Mr. Jonah Magee
HBCU College & Career Coordinator
High School Program
Phone: 562-366-2243
JMagee@lbschools.net
Mr. Jonathan Evans
Counselor on Special Assignment,
High School Programs
Phone: 562-366-2244
JEvans2@lbschools.net

