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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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
"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
"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
" 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
It is with great compassion we view the suffering of our black and brown brothers and sisters at the hands of racist, violent police officers in our country. The recent killing of George Floyd was the spark that has set off protests in all 50 states and over 2000 American cities and towns including Long Beach but also internationally.
It was a spark that landed in the fuel of similar incidents of police brutality and murder of Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Amadou Diallo, Freddie Gray and etc. etc. etc.
We know not all police officers are racist. Some have even joined the protests in sympathy. However, there are those police officers that are racist, who with excessive force injure and kill Black citizens and the system does not penalized them for their behavior. There exists systemic racism in police departments throughout our country. This system allows higher rates of stops, arrests, use of force and incarceration of people of color because of both bias and the reward structure.
This system must change.
Racism will not be eliminated in our country as quickly as we would like. But together with our community partners we will work to get the justice, fairness, inclusion and equity that makes us stronger as a nation.
Martin Luther King Jr.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Long Beach Gray Panthers
1150 East 4th Street, Long Beach, CA 90802
Copyright © 2019 Long Beach Gray Panthers - All Rights Reserved.
"Age and youth in action!"