Justice for Black Workers

The former chair congratulated the new chair and thanked the commission for passing the letter, suggesting commissioners request department presentations on topics like the Olympics and homelessness.

A city refuse department worker described four years of advocating for Black workers, saying many fear retaliation for speaking out about harassment and bullying by supervisors and HR.

Asked why such protections are still necessary in 2026.

A Black business owner from District 6 spoke in solidarity, saying Black workers fear retaliation if they speak up and asking what the commission can do.

A Syrian Armenian resident expressed solidarity, saying she feels safer when the Black community is safe.

A policy analyst with the Coalition Against Anti-Blackness thanked the commission and stressed that implementation, measurable actions, and transparent reporting are essential.

The leader of the Long Beach Black Worker Center expressed gratitude and asked that a communication pipeline be opened so residents know what happens next.

A former commission staffer and city employee described her own 'working while Black' experience and urged support for specific demands, including a workplace equity policy, an independent accountability commission, and anti-retaliation protections.

Dr. Lydia Hollie traced the history of Black unemployment in Long Beach since 2013 and urged the same energy for Black workers that the city devoted to immigrant rights.

Delivered a brief message to the mayor: "black people, black policies."

A District 1 resident urged transparent workforce data, enforceable equity policies, independent reporting systems, and real funding for the Office of Equity.

A retired Black worker and business owner shared personal experiences of discrimination and said she will continue raising questions with the city.

A lifelong resident said the same arguments about equity have repeated for 50 years and urged commissioners to act, not just talk.

In non-agenda comment, apologized for her emotional reaction to a recent confrontation involving the mayor, reaffirmed her fight for Black workers, and demanded enforceable policy, independent oversight, and transparent reporting.

Thanked Commissioner Montgomery for moving to create the Justice for Black Workers ad hoc and said anti-Blackness permeates every institution in the city.

Urged commissioners to truly listen to Black residents' experiences and to remember them when making decisions.

A legislative policy analyst presented workforce data showing Black representation in city employment fell from 14.9% in 2011 to 11.6% in 2026, and called for a public workforce equity dashboard, local hire pathways, and standing equity audits.