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 iconic singer and local heroine, Jenni Rivera. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved this decision last week, recognizing Rivera not only for her extraordinary talent but also as a cherished daughter of Long Beach.

Uduak-Joe Ntuk, president of LBCC’s Board of Trustees, expressed the significance of this honor, stating, “This naming recognizes not just an extraordinary performer, but a daughter of Long Beach whose voice and spirit transcended borders.” He added that Rivera inspired millions through her music and advocacy, and the center will serve as a space where future generations can learn and create.

In a remarkable gesture, Jenni Rivera Enterprises will contribute $2 million to the LBCC Foundation over the next decade. Most of these funds will be directed towards scholarships and educational programs, as reported by the Long Beach Post. Rivera’s daughter, Jacqie Rivera, CEO of the enterprise, expressed deep gratitude for the memorialization of her mother. “Knowing that young performers will grow, train, and find their creative voice in a center that carries her name is profoundly meaningful to us.”

Legacy of Jenni Rivera

The new performing arts center is expected to open in spring 2026. It marks the second tribute LBCC has bestowed upon Rivera, who was inducted into the LBCC Hall of Fame earlier this year. Rivera’s legacy is firmly rooted in Long Beach, where she was born and raised, and attended Long Beach Poly High School. Despite facing challenges, including becoming a mother in her sophomore year, Rivera graduated as valedictorian from Reid Continuation High School.

After her high school journey, Rivera attended LBCC before transferring to California State University, Long Beach, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She utilized her degree as a real estate agent while simultaneously working at her father’s recording studio and record label. Her father, Pedro Rivera, was a prominent singer of corridos and established the influential record label Cintas Acuario in the 1980s.

Rivera’s music career began with the release of her first album, “Somos Rivera,” in 1992. It launched a prolific journey that was tragically cut short by a plane crash in Mexico on December 9, 2012, which claimed her life and the lives of six others. Known as the “Diva de la Banda,” Rivera was a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of música mexicana, transforming her narrative from humble beginnings to a self-made star.

In 2015, Rivera was further honored by Long Beach city officials when they named a park in her memory. At the Jenni Rivera Memorial Park, a 125-foot mural commemorates her life and heritage, showcasing her impact on the community.

A Lasting Impact

Rivera’s contributions to the entertainment industry continue to resonate. In 2024, the Hollywood Walk of Fame posthumously awarded her a star, an honor accepted by her five children. During the unveiling ceremony, her daughter Jenicka Lopez recalled her mother’s dreams of achieving this recognition, highlighting the profound legacy Rivera has left behind.

As LBCC prepares to open the Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center, the institution aims to foster a new generation of artists inspired by Rivera’s resilience and creativity. This significant naming serves not only to honor a beloved local figure but also to create a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Long Beach and beyond.