News Summary
In Long Beach, local businesses are collaborating to raise funds for the immigrant community facing economic hardships and legal challenges. Fundraising initiatives benefit organizations like CHIRLA and ÓRALE, providing essential legal aid to affected families. Noteworthy efforts include a themed cake sale from Wilde Confections, free legal aid services organized by community leaders, and upcoming events that promise to strengthen support for vulnerable families. These collective actions demonstrate Long Beach’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and solidarity amidst ongoing struggles for immigrant rights.
Long Beach – Local businesses are rallying together to raise funds for the immigrant community in Long Beach, which is facing ongoing struggles related to immigration policies and economic hardships. With a significant population of over 100,000 immigrants, the initiatives aim to provide legal aid and assistance to families who have been impacted by deportation and other immigration issues.
Various local enterprises have begun fundraising efforts, with proceeds directed towards organizations that support the immigrant community, such as the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and ÓRALE. Notably, the Signal Tribune is actively compiling a comprehensive list of participating businesses to keep the community informed about ongoing fundraising opportunities.
One standout initiative is a collaborative book titled “I Am, Yo Soy” by Gabriela Orozco Belt and Mirelle Ortega, with profits benefitting CHIRLA, an organization that has been serving immigrants since 1986. Meanwhile, Casita Bookstore is promoting fundraising via its Instagram account also for CHIRLA.
Wilde Confections has introduced a creatively themed cake titled “Fuck ICE,” priced at $25, with proceeds intended to assist a family whose father was recently deported. This bakery is among those openly supporting immigrant families during these challenging times.
Tito Rodriguez, widely known as Long Beach’s Hood Santa, is taking another approach by organizing free legal aid services specifically for families affected by deportation issues. Individuals who wish to contribute to legal aid can do so through a GoFundMe page linked via artist Big Sleeps’ Instagram.
In a vibrant display of community support, Dainty Disco’s DIY Babes Club is marketing a snail mail bundle, with proceeds benefiting ÓRALE. Similarly, Adelitas Revenge, a Chicana and LGBTQ-owned shop, is hosting a series of events in June, pledging all proceeds to ÓRALE to further assist immigrant families.
The community will also witness an art show titled Already Home at Stache Bar on June 28, where proceeds will be directed to ÓRALE. Additionally, a July 4th Immigration Fundraiser at Que Sera will feature a dance party, with ticket prices set at $5 online and $10 at the door, while benefiting ÓRALE.
Other events include a benefit show hosted by Olive Records LBC on July 5, with a $5 cover charge aimed at supporting families affected by recent ICE raids. On July 19, the Las Mañanitas Paint N Sip event at Guisados will feature raffles, raising funds for ÓRALE and CHIRLA. Homespun Long Beach has also joined the cause, offering locally grown plants for sale, with all proceeds on the same date going to ÓRALE.
Long Beach’s demographic landscape reveals that the Hispanic/Latino community constitutes the largest group, making up 43.4% of the population. Many members face economic challenges as they often work in low-paying jobs that provide no health insurance. Educational opportunities for Latino students at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) are improving, with Latino students now representing 51% of the undergraduate population for the fall of 2024. This reflects a 35% increase in Hispanic/Latino undergraduate enrollment since 2018.
CSULB, designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2005, is dedicated to enhancing educational prospects for Latino students. The six-year graduation rate for Latino students has significantly improved from 48.7% in 2011 to 70.3% in 2020. Central American immigrants predominantly comprise the Latino population in Long Beach, with increasing numbers of second and third-generation college students striving for higher education.
The collective efforts of local businesses and organizations highlight the community’s unwavering support for its immigrant members, demonstrating the resilience and solidarity within Long Beach as these groups rally to overcome ongoing challenges and foster a more inclusive environment for all.
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Additional Resources
- Signal Tribune: Local Businesses Helping Long Beach’s Immigrant Community
- Wikipedia: Immigration in the United States
- LB Current: CSULB Sees Record Latino Student Enrollment Growth
- Google Search: Latino Student Enrollment
- Cal O News: Long Beach Taco Week Celebration
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- New York Times: Paramount California Latino Immigrants
- Google News: Hispanic Community Long Beach
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
