Thanks to the great response from residents on this event we have now added more space so everyone can participate in this community conversation. I am glad to see so many people interested in being a part of this meeting that we saw the first invitation sell out in just one day. So, if you would like to join, please sign up at the link below.

RSVP Here

Reminder: TOMORROW July 1st, 2020 at 5:30 PM  I will be hosting a community conversation on race and  I invite you to join and participate via Zoom. 

As a country we are confronting the important topics of race and injustice. These topics have wide ranging and significant impacts for people throughout the country and Long Beach is not immune. They represent important realities that we must confront if we as a country, as a city, and as a community are to address them appropriately and move forward together.

These conversations are occurring at every dinner table in America, among community groups, between friends and neighbors, and at the local, state, and federal levels of government.  U ndeniably these are difficult topics to confront and they can become emotional given the  complex and often nuanced history, experience, and systems related to race in America today. 

But, a s a Councilmember I believe it is my responsibility to help our community engage this topic and be a part of this essential national conversation.  It is important that we put a focus on these issues and ensure all residents have a safe and inclusive space to communicate their thoughts as we initiate this dialogue. I don't want people to be afraid of having the discussion because they fear saying the wrong thing or being misunderstood. I can tell you that for me, that has been the most difficult part of having these conversations. My hope is that everyone will start from the foundation that those participating in the dialogue have good intentions and are present to learn and participate in a respectful on-going conversation. 

We cannot separate ourselves from these greater issues facing the country. We face them just like cities and communities all across the nation and we cannot ignore or pretend to be unaffected. We are not an island where these issues are irrelevant to us in our daily lives. We must be a part of this larger conversation about race in America today, and participate in it if we are to hope for a better future. 

This is meant to be a meaningful conversation on these serious topics that affect us all. 

Recently, I also put out a video on Implicit Bias as a primer to begin this greater community conversation and help residents who may be unfamiliar with this issue to understand and think about these topics.

Link to Video on Implicit Bias