The California Association of Black School Educators (CABSE) awarded Long Beach City College (LBCC) with the prestigious 2023 CABSE Black EdCellence Award, and recognized the college for its groundbreaking leadership in advancing educational equity for Black students.

“Long Beach City College is very intentional in prioritizing Black student success,” said Vivian Malauulu, Long Beach Community College District Board of Trustees President. “We are grateful and proud that CABSE recognizes our effort.”

CABSE, a non-partisan organization comprising elected and appointed school officials, administrators, and instructors from across California, is dedicated to advancing equity for Black students. LBCC’s award was presented during the Seventh Annual CABSE Education Conference in October.

“While we have been working towards improving our success with Black students for many years, our watershed moment started when our Board of Trustees adopted the ‘Framework for Reconciliation in Support of the Black Community’ in 2020,” said Dr. Mike Muñoz, LBCC Superintendent-President. “Our Trustees’ bold acknowledgment has led to a campus-wide, multi-year effort to improve demographic disparities and remedy opportunity gaps for Black students.”

With approximately 12% of its student body identifying as Black/African American, LBCC remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment. Over the years, LBCC has made significant strides in providing a quality, equitable experience for students. The institution has initiated a Black/African American Scholarship Support Fund, and championed the Male Success Initiative, designed to address the challenges faced by men of color.

For the past two years, LBCC was also recognized by the Campaign for College Opportunity for its improved number of Black students receiving Associate Degrees for Transfer, a testament to the institution’s commitment to encouraging students to excel academically at LBCC and seamlessly transfer to four-year universities.