In celebration and recognition of Black History Month, the Downtown Long Beach Alliance’s February Downtown Discussions virtual event will address the topic, “The Black Experience in Long Beach: Past, Present, and Future.” On February 23 at 9 AM, a panel of local Black activists, faith leaders, municipal professionals, business owners, and community leaders will convene to discuss the history and contributions of the Black community in Long Beach, as well as the challenges faced by that community in the past and present and what the future may hold. Moderated by Carl Kemp, a longtime communications professional and Long Beach local currently serving as Environmental Public Affairs Manager with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, this conversation will include different perspectives and aspects of the Black experience in Long Beach with a focus on Downtown. Panelists will consider what role established institutions and organizations, including DLBA, have played in the Black experience in Downtown Long Beach, and what their responsibility may be moving forward to enact positive change.

The event will take place February 23, 9 AM, via Zoom Webinar and will also be livestreamed on DLBA’s Facebook account @downtownlongbeach. The event will include a 10-minute introduction, a 60-minute roundtable discussion, and a 20-minutes Q&A session. Audience members may submit questions via Zoom’s Q&A function, and the moderator will ask those he chooses.