Long Beach Honors Activist Armando Vazquez-Ramos with Youth Day

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

Participants enjoying activities at the inaugural Youth Day in Long Beach, promoting social justice and community involvement.

News Summary

Community leaders in Long Beach have come together to honor the legacy of activist Armando Vazquez-Ramos while promoting youth activism. This includes the announcement of Youth Day on May 4, targeting young individuals aged 13 to 26 for engagement in social justice issues. The event aims to foster activism through workshops and discussions at Cabrillo High School. A civil rights panel is also planned, emphasizing community involvement and honoring the efforts of influential leaders like Vazquez-Ramos.

Long Beach, California – Community leaders in Long Beach have come together to honor the legacy of prominent activist Armando Vazquez-Ramos, while promoting new initiatives aimed at empowering youth activism in the city. This coincides with the announcement of the city’s inaugural Youth Day, set to take place on May 4, which targets young individuals aged 13 to 26, encouraging their engagement in social justice issues and activism.

The Youth Day event will be held at Cabrillo High School from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., organized by the Health Department’s Office of Youth Development in collaboration with various city departments. In order to participate, attendees are encouraged to register in advance via the Youth Day RSVP form. This initiative seeks to provide workshops, discussions, and activities focused on fostering activism and community involvement among young residents.

As part of a broader commitment to civil rights and community engagement, a civil rights panel discussion will be conducted on April 24. The Historical Society of Long Beach will host this event, featuring influential community leaders and activists who will discuss the significance of community organizations in activism. Tickets are priced at $10, while students with a valid identification can attend for free.

Armando Vazquez-Ramos, known affectionately as “El Profe,” passed away from cancer at the age of 74 last August. His contributions to civil rights and education have marked his legacy deeply within the Long Beach community. At a recent celebration of his life, over 100 attendees gathered to honor his dedication, supported by heartfelt stories and performances that reflected his commitment to diversity, equity, and social justice.

Vazquez-Ramos played a pivotal role in establishing the Chicano studies program at California State University, Long Beach, and was an active member of the California Faculty Association and the California Teachers Association. He also co-founded the CFA’s Statewide Latino Caucus and was instrumental in creating the California-Mexico Studies Center. His legacy is further enriched by the Dreamers Study Abroad Program, which has benefited over 800 recipients.

During the celebration honoring Vazquez-Ramos, community leaders highlighted his lifelong dedication to improving the lives of underserved populations. Musical performances and shared memories allowed attendees to collectively honor his contributions and continue the spirit of activism he embodied.

In the wake of social movements such as the Black Lives Matter protests, Women’s Marches, and recent protests against the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the call for continuous community engagement has become more prominent. Vanessa Coover, a Senior Restorative Justice Specialist with a Master’s in Equity, Education, and Social Justice from California State University, Long Beach, acknowledges the importance of grassroots activism while highlighting alternative ways to contribute without being on the frontlines. With growing responsibilities, including caring for dependents, Coover emphasizes the significance of community-based organizations as platforms for impactful involvement.

Several organizations within Long Beach focus on social justice and community engagement, providing various opportunities for residents to take part in activism outside of traditional protest scenarios. Coover advises residents to explore local initiatives, allowing everyone to find their place in advocating for change.

The legacy of figures like Vazquez-Ramos and the establishment of events like Youth Day are reminders of the importance of youth involvement in social justice endeavors. By fostering a sense of activism among young people, Long Beach is paving the way for a future generation committed to equity and community engagement, ensuring that the voices of all residents continue to resonate in the fight for justice.

As Long Beach prepares for Youth Day and various other initiatives, residents are encouraged to remember the power of community and the contributions of those who have come before them in the ongoing quest for social change.