Long Beach City College Honors Jenni Rivera with New Arts Center

Long Beach City College (LBCC) has officially named its new performing arts center after the renowned singer and Long Beach native, Jenni Rivera. The Board of Trustees voted unanimously last week to designate the facility as the Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center, honoring her remarkable contribution to music and her enduring impact on the community.

“This naming recognizes not just an extraordinary performer, but a daughter of Long Beach whose voice and spirit transcended borders,” stated Uduak-Joe Ntuk, president of LBCC’s Board of Trustees. He emphasized that Rivera inspired millions through her music, resilience, and advocacy, expressing pride that future generations of artists will create in a space honoring her legacy.

In a significant gesture, Jenni Rivera Enterprises will donate $2 million over the next ten years to the LBCC Foundation, primarily funding scholarships and educational programs. “Our family is deeply honored that Long Beach City College has chosen to memorialize Jenni in this extraordinary way,” said Jacqie Rivera, Rivera’s daughter and CEO of the enterprise. She reflected on how Long Beach shaped her mother’s identity as an artist and community advocate.

Celebrating a Legacy of Achievement

The Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center is set to open in spring 2026. This is the second honor bestowed upon Rivera by LBCC; earlier this year, she was inducted into the LBCC Hall of Fame. Rivera, who attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School in the 1980s, later graduated as valedictorian from Reid Continuation High School before pursuing higher education at LBCC and then transferring to Cal State Long Beach for a degree in business administration.

Rivera’s career as a performer began with her first album, “Somos Rivera,” released in 1992. She quickly rose to prominence, becoming a trailblazer in the male-dominated genre of música mexicana. Tragically, her life was cut short when she died in a plane crash in Mexico on December 9, 2012, alongside six others. Rivera’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming the self-proclaimed “Diva de la Banda” serves as an inspiration to many.

A Lasting Impact on the Community

In recognition of her legacy, Long Beach city officials honored Rivera by naming a park after her in 2015. The Jenni Rivera Memorial Park features a striking 125-foot mural celebrating her life and heritage. In 2024, the Hollywood Walk of Fame posthumously awarded Rivera with a star, accepted by her five children.

Reflecting on her mother’s dream, Rivera’s daughter Jenicka Lopez recounted, “One of my mom’s favorite exes used to work in this vicinity. She always dreamt, ‘I’m gonna have my star here one day.’” Lopez acknowledged the improbability of such an honor after her mother’s passing, highlighting the profound significance of the recognition.

As the Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center prepares to welcome future artists, it stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Rivera’s legacy in Long Beach and beyond. The center will not only serve as a venue for performances but also as a space where young talents can cultivate their creativity, inspired by a true icon of the community.