Represented at Last! The Transformation of Long Beach’s People and Politics

Represented at Last! The Transformation of Long Beach’s People and Politics #RepresentedAtLast #DorisTopsy #RexRichardson #AlAustin #GoLongBeach #DeeAndrews #LongBeach #California #LongBeachPolitics #Politics #LongBeachPeople #Political #SuelySaro #GoLongBeach #Transformation #MediaAlert #HSLB

The Historical Society of Long Beach (HSLB) is proud to announce its latest exhibition, Represented at Last! The Transformation of Long Beach’s People and Politics. This compelling exhibition showcases the profound changes in the city’s demographic and political landscape over the past century.

The exhibit will first be displayed at the HSLB museum, located at 4260 Atlantic Avenue, on Friday, September 6th. It will then move to the Civic Center Lobby at 411 W. Ocean Blvd from September 10th to 16th. A free opening reception will be held at the Civic Center on Monday, September 9th, from 3-5 pm, open to the public.

A City Shaped by Diversity

Long Beach’s growth as an urban center led to significant waves of migration throughout the twentieth century. Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian communities contributed to the city’s rich cultural tapestry. This diversity became increasingly visible with the election of the city’s first Black councilmember, James “Jim” Wilson, in 1970. His election marked the beginning of a new era in Long Beach politics, where people of color began to gain visibility and influence within the community.

Highlighting Nontraditional Leadership

The exhibition, Represented at Last!, delves into the evolution of nontraditional leadership in Long Beach. It highlights the importance of electing individuals from historically marginalized groups to positions of power. This shift has had a lasting impact on the city’s governance and community dynamics. The exhibition features the stories of key leaders who played pivotal roles in this transformation, including:

Extensive Research and Collaboration

Years of collecting historical data and ten months of dedicated research underpin this exhibition. The HSLB team, led by Victoria Roa, MA in U.S. and World History, worked closely with local historians and writers to create a comprehensive portrayal of Long Beach’s political transformation. Oral history interviews with key leaders provide personal insights into the challenges and triumphs of those who broke barriers and paved the way for future generations.

Engaging and Accessible Display

Represented at Last! is designed to be accessible to the entire community. The exhibition is mounted on nine mobile panels, allowing it to be displayed at various community events throughout Long Beach after its initial run. These panels are packed with narratives and images that bring the city’s history to life, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the evolution of Long Beach.

Exhibition Schedule

  • September 6, 2024: First Friday at HSLB, 4260 Atlantic Ave, 1pm-9pm
  • September 9, 2024: Opening Reception at Civic Center Lobby, 411 W. Ocean Blvd, 3pm-5pm
  • September 10-16, 2024: Civic Center Lobby, 7:30am-5:00pm
  • September 19-October 18, 2024: HSLB, 4260 Atlantic Ave
  • Tues, Wed, Fri: 1pm-5pm
  • Thurs: 1pm-7pm
  • Sat: 11am-5pm
  • First Friday: 6pm-9pm

Admission is free, offering everyone an opportunity to engage with this significant historical exploration.

A Call to Action for a Diverse Community

As Long Beach’s first African-American Councilwoman, Doris Topsy-Elvord, wisely noted, “I don’t know of any other area of the world, the size of our city, that has as much cultural diversity as we have. This phenomenon is a great opportunity, or it could be a disastrous one. That, my friends, is up to all of us.” This exhibition not only celebrates the achievements of Long Beach’s diverse leaders but also encourages ongoing efforts to ensure that all voices are heard and represented in the city’s future.

About the Historical Society of Long Beach

The Historical Society of Long Beach is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and presenting the rich history of Long Beach. Through its extensive historical collections, exhibitions, and programs, HSLB connects people to the past and to the place they live. The organization is committed to exploring the intersecting histories of the different races, ethnicities, economic backgrounds, and identities that have shaped Long Beach. By gathering underrepresented histories and engaging the public through partnerships and programs, HSLB brings Long Beach’s diverse history to light and life.

For additional information visit: https://HSLB.org

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