Long Beach Unified Opens Center of Black Student Excellence, A Landmark for Identity, Pride, and Progress

The 4th Annual Black Student Achievement Initiative Symposium at Lindbergh Middle School set the stage for a powerful day dedicated to celebrating Black excellence in education, family, and community. Keynote speaker Dr. Shaun Harper, a renowned professor at USC, delivered an inspiring address that challenged and empowered attendees to elevate opportunity and foster cultural pride throughout Long Beach Unified. Panel discussions and heartfelt reflections further underscored the district’s commitment to advancing educational opportunities for Black students, setting a transformative tone for the day.

The spirit of unity and celebration continued, as a symbolic moment unfolded—a declaration that Black excellence is here to stay.

It was more than a ribbon-cutting. It was a declaration. It is a movement. On Saturday, May 3, Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) officially opened the Center of Black Student Excellence on the campus of Lindbergh Middle School. Superintendent Dr. Jill Baker, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Brown, Council of the Great City Schools Executive Director Dr. Raymond C. Hart, LBUSD Board of Education members, LBUSD leadership, Long Beach City representatives, students, parents, staff, and community members were in attendance to witness this historic event. Generations of hopes, struggles, and triumphs stood in front of the Center—a physical and welcoming home dedicated to affirming identity, restoring pride, and enriching the academic lives of Black students.

The Center results from years of vision, advocacy, and collaboration across the district and community. The dedication and inspirational work of the Black Student Achievement Initiative Advisory have been instrumental in bringing this transformative vision to life. 

As the ceremony unfolded, Dr. Norma Spencer, Director of the Center of Black Student Excellence, stepped forward as the event’s mistress of ceremonies. She acknowledged members of her team who were foundational in creating the Center, including Dr. Elyssa Taylor-Stewart, Dr. Pam Lovett, Jonah Magee, Sicola Elliott, and the broader Sankofa Parent Village.

Superintendent Dr. Jill Baker, known for her humility and heart-forward leadership, reminded the crowd in her speech that this Center is more than a milestone. “This is a direct answer to what students and the community have asked for,” Dr. Baker explained. “To the community, you shaped the vision. Your hopes, dreams, and lived experiences brought the Center of Black Student Excellence to life.”

Board member Erik Miller captured the spirit of what’s to come. “This Center will also be the hub for Black boy joy and Black girl magic.” His words reminded us that the Center is not just about the past—it’s about a vibrant future where every Black student is empowered to thrive.  

Dr. Raymond C. Hart, ​​Executive Director of the Council of the Great City Schools, echoed that vision: “It represents a bold promise to our students, families, and this community. Long Beach Unified is making a bold declaration: we are investing in our children, from the start, nurturing their brilliance, celebrating their identity, and removing barriers that have stood for far too long.” He added, “This is a place that radiates hope and where students are reminded daily that they matter. This is a place where belonging is guaranteed.”

From the audience, Dr. Tiffany Brown didn’t stand apart—she stood among them. Shoulder to shoulder with families, students, and community leaders, she absorbed the moment's meaning—not from a podium but from the people. Her quiet strength and visible solidarity spoke volumes.

When David Zaid took the stage for the closing remarks, few were prepared for what would come next. His words pierced hearts and drew tears: “We are not cutting a ribbon. We are cutting centuries of systemic oppression that kept Black excellence from rising. Today, we cut chains.”

And then, the moment we had waited for—the first steps into the Center. Families walked its halls, pausing to take in walls of vibrant art, children’s dreams etched in color and canvas. Some wiped away tears. Others clutched each other’s hands. All of them knew—this space is home. Conversations sparked—about love, about the past, about the future. It was a symphony of emotion—loud and quiet, joyful and reverent—all at once.

The Center of Black Student Excellence is a living, breathing declaration of dignity, a sanctuary for pride, and a promise kept. It is where culture will be honored, where brilliance will be celebrated, and every student in Long Beach will be seen, heard, and empowered to thrive. The Center will support the collective good of our community, serving as a hub of excellence, open to all, from our community to our schools, our schools to our community.