RHSA Sankofa Community 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, a student- and parent-led celebration of Black history, culture, and community.

Accepting the Sankofa Leadership Award for Equity in Action, Dr. Baker offered heartfelt thanks to the students, families, and organizers who shaped the evening and its purpose. “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.”

Taste of Soul is intentionally rooted in student voice. 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 community connections. The evening reflected the Sankofa principle of learning from the past to build a stronger future.

The recognition highlights not only Dr. Baker’s leadership but also the collective commitment of students, families, educators, and community partners who continue advancing equity and belonging across LBUSD. Through Sankofa’s leadership and the voices of RHSA students, Taste of Soul models how schools and communities can come together to uplift, celebrate, and support one another.