Doing Good in the LBC is a weekly newsletter where we’ll share how you can volunteer or give back in our city. We’ll also share the latest goings-on of nonprofit organizations in Long Beach. To subscribe, click here.
Long Beach Forward and Hannibal Media Group to host free ‘Conscious Cinema’ summer film series
By Tess Kazenoff
A Black-centered, social justice, and free film series, “Conscious Cinema,” is coming to Long Beach this week.
Led by Long Beach Forward, Hannibal Media Group, Beach City Radio, Black Agency, Black Lives Matter, Councilmember Suely Saro, Grey Long Beach, Long Beach Philadelphian, and The SIX Long Beach, the series will include three film screenings:
“Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power” will be shown Thursday, Aug. 31, 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Expo Arts Center, 4321 Atlantic Ave.
“The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975” will be shown Thursday, Sept. 14, 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Grey Long Beach, 237 Long Beach Blvd.
“The Big Payback” will be shown Saturday, Sept. 16, 2 to 4:30 p.m. at Martin Luther King Park, 1950 Lemon Ave.
Each film will be followed by a panel discussion featuring local subject-matter experts who have lived experience with the civil rights movement and/or social justice advocacy and community organizing background.
Film screening locations are wheelchair accessible, and street parking and/or paid garage parking is available. Carpooling and public transportation use is encouraged.
Films are recommended for audiences ages 16 and older, due to mature content (language and violence) recorded during the Civil Rights Movement. Trailers can be watched here.
To get tickets, RSVP here, email [email protected], or text 562-900-8683. While the event is free to the public, donations can be made online here to support Long Beach Forward.
Places to volunteer in Long Beach
- Heart of Ida is seeking two animal-loving volunteers to assist seniors in need. One volunteer who can walk two small dogs is needed, as well as one volunteer who can clean litter boxes and cat dishes. Call 562-570-3548 or fill out this form to get in touch.
- Pack bags of groceries and hygiene products for people facing food and housing insecurity every Sunday with Long Beach Community Table. The organization meets at parks throughout Long Beach. View a full list of locations and times here. Get started by contacting 562-548-0774 or [email protected].
- MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital is looking for volunteers to assist with reception check-ins for the 13th annual Dancing For Our Stars “Puttin on the Ritz” Gala on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 5 to 11 p.m. Get more information and sign up here.
Ways to give back
- To contribute food to Food Finders, an organization that fights food insecurity while reducing food waste, donations can be dropped off at the nonprofit’s office Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 10539 Humbolt St. Los Alamitos.
- The Multi-Service Center, Long Beach’s hub for homelessness services, accepts donations through its Amazon Wishlist.
- Make a contribution to AbilityFirst, an organization that provides programming and services for people with disabilities, here.