RHSA Sankofa Community Black History Month Celebration Honors Dr. Baker

Long Beach Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Jill A. Baker was honored by the Renaissance High School for the Arts (RHSA) Sankofa Parent Group during the third annual RHSA Student Taste of Soul Long Beach. The recognition was part of the school’s Black History Month celebration, a student- and parent-led event centered on Black history, culture, the arts, and community.

 

As she accepted the Sankofa Leadership Award for Equity in Action, Dr. Baker offered heartfelt thanks to the students, families, and organizers who shaped the evening. “I am deeply grateful to the Renaissance Sankofa community for this recognition,” she said. “Our work is rooted in listening and uplifting our Black students and ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. This is shared work, and I am honored to be part of it.”

RHSA’s Student Taste of Soul Long Beach reflects LBUSD’s Equity Policy and Black Student Achievement Initiative by centering student voice, family engagement, and authentic community partnerships.

Designed in partnership with RHSA’s Black Student Union and Sankofa families, the event brought together performances, art, food, and intergenerational fellowship, creating space to affirm identity, celebrate creativity, and strengthen connections.

The celebration featured student and alumni performances, Black-owned business vendors, immersive cultural spaces, and a family-friendly atmosphere open to the Long Beach community. Grounded in the Sankofa principle of learning from the past to build a stronger future, the event honored history while uplifting the creativity and achievement of Black students.

The recognition highlights Dr. Baker’s leadership and the collective commitment of students, families, educators, and community partners in advancing equity and belonging across LBUSD.