About the Long Beach Gray Panthers
Who we are...
A multi-generational movement of people in Long Beach who believe there is a solution to all the social and economic injustices in our society.
What we believe...
We work in coalitions and collaborations with other organizations on crucial issues affecting the quality of life and oppose discrimination against, and oppression of persons because of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, nationality, class, physical disability or political orientation through education and advocacy.
What we do...
We provide education and advocacy on Older Adult issues in social and economic justice; a clean sustainable environment; work for the preservation and expansion of social security and Medicare; quality health care for all; decent affordable housing; full employment or adequate income for those unable to work; promote education and activism for world peace by working for the elimination of all means of mass destruction and for a transfer of resources from military to human needs.
Our Campaigns
Long Beach People's Budget
Yes on Prop. 15: Schools & Communities First
Long Beach People's Budget
Black Lives Matter LBC and community allies have come together to release the next “People’s Budget Proposal” and bring equity and justice to the Long Beach City budget. The City’s budget is a moral document that reflects our city’s values and priorities. Adopting the People’s Budget is more than just a shift in the way the City has done business-- it is a pathway to ending anti-Blackness and structural racism in the City, undoing historical disinvestment that has continued for generations, and moving us closer towards a Long Beach that is safe and healthy for all.
We Count Long Beach
Yes on Prop. 15: Schools & Communities First
Long Beach People's Budget
Los Angeles County is the hardest-to-count county in the United States, and it will take a broad, collective effort to ensure a fair and accurate count in the 2020 Census. An undercount could result in the loss of congressional seats, billions of dollars in federal funding for our state and local communities, and unfair political representation since census counts are used to draw political districts at the federal, state, and local levels.
Yes on Prop. 15: Schools & Communities First
Yes on Prop. 15: Schools & Communities First
Yes on Prop. 15: Schools & Communities First
Reclaim $12 billion per year for K-12 schools, community colleges and local communities
Close commercial property tax loopholes that corporations and wealthy investors use to avoid paying their fair share of property taxes
Protect all homeowners and renters by maintaining tax protections for ALL residential property
Ensure strict accountability so that money goes directly to our schools and communities
Nursing Home Reform
Technology Access for Low-Income Older Adults
Yes on Prop. 15: Schools & Communities First
Technology Access for Low-Income Older Adults
Technology Access for Low-Income Older Adults
Technology Access for Low-Income Older Adults
Public Transportation Improvement
Technology Access for Low-Income Older Adults
Technology Access for Low-Income Older Adults
Reframing Aging
Creating a Liveable Community
Creating a Liveable Community
Creating a Liveable Community
Creating a Liveable Community
Creating a Liveable Community
Creating Safe Streets
Creating a Liveable Community
Creating Safe Streets
Older Adult Nutrition
Older Adult Nutrition
Creating Safe Streets
Medicare for All
Older Adult Nutrition
Medicare for All
Our Programs
Advocacy
Education
Education
We are a multi-generational movement of people of all ages who believe there is a solution to all the social and economic injustices in our society.
Education
Education
Education
We work to educate older adults in social justice, a sustainable environment, and quality housing to ensure resources are allocated towards community needs.
Community Outreach
Donna Helsley Food Fund
Donna Helsley Food Fund
We collaborate with other organizations on crucial issues affecting the quality of life, and fight to oppose discrimination through education and advocacy.
Donna Helsley Food Fund
Donna Helsley Food Fund
Donna Helsley Food Fund
Long Beach Gray Panthers and Partners of Parks announce the establishment of the Donna Helsley Food Fund to provide grocery gift cards to Older Adults who need assistance with food at the end of the month.
Our History
"Age and youth in action!"
There are six myths about old age...
1. That it's a disease, a disaster.
2. That we are mindless.
3. That we are sexless.
4. That we are useless.
5. That we are powerless.
6. That we are all alike.
-Maggie Kuhn
The Gray Panthers were founded in 1970 by the amazing Maggie Kuhn, whose diligent uncompromising fight against the injustice of ageism spearheaded this movement. The Long Beach Chapter has been in operation since 1974.
Read About us!
"Long Beach Gray Panthers Mark 45 Years Of Advocacy" - THE GRUNION
"There will be a birthday party this Saturday, and the group hosting has plenty of experience with birthdays.
Long Beach's Gray Panthers have been advocating and educating for older adults for the last 45 years in the city. A celebration to mark the occasion is set from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at the Long Beach Senior Center..."
written by Harry Saltzgaver at The Grunion
"Seniors are superheroes at Saturday’s Long Beach Gray Panthers Senior Fest" - PRESS-TELEGRAM
"Since 1974, the Long Beach Gray Panthers have been advocating for senior rights in the city through education and networking opportunities. Through their work, organization leaders are hoping to change the way senior adults are perceived within the community, said Karen Reside, the Gray Panthers’ secretary..."
written by Stephanie Stutzman at Press-Telegram
"Senior Spotlight: Long Beach Gray Panthers – Age & Youth in Action" - THE HEART OF IDA
"In 1974, as an offshoot of the Long Beach Area Peace Network, the Long Beach Gray Panthers (LBGP) continued the legacy of Maggie Kuhn and has dedicated themselves to advancing the causes of social justice, peace, and older-adult issues in partnership with younger people in the community. Using the values of dignity, excellence, stewardship, and a spirit of collaboration and justice, the LBGP bring together all members of the community to discuss specific issues and collect a variety of viewpoints..."
published by The Heart of Ida
"Long Beach Gray Panthers Present First Annual Senior Fest" - THE HI-LO
" Other older events focus on selling products,' Co-Chair Karen Reside said in a statement. 'This event will feature community resources available for older adults, showcase local older adult artists and offer free services and present updates on legislation impacting older adults, healthcare issues, while exploring the contributions older adults provide to our community...' "
written by Ariana Gastelum for the Hi-lo with the Long Beach Post