Long Beach City College Names Arts Center After Jenni Rivera

UPDATE: Long Beach City College has officially named its new performing arts center after legendary alumna and cultural icon Jenni Rivera. The Board of Trustees made the unanimous decision last week, recognizing Rivera’s profound impact on music and her hometown.

Uduak-Joe Ntuk, president of LBCC’s board, stated, “This naming recognizes not just an extraordinary performer but a daughter of Long Beach whose voice and spirit transcended borders.” This momentous decision honors Rivera’s legacy as an inspiration to millions through her music and advocacy.

The Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center is set to open in spring 2026, providing a creative space for future generations of artists. As part of this initiative, Jenni Rivera Enterprises will contribute $2 million over the next decade 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 Jenni Rivera Enterprises. “Knowing that young performers will grow, train, and find their creative voice in a center that carries her name is profoundly meaningful to us.”

Jenni Rivera, who was born and raised in Long Beach, attended Long Beach Poly High School in the 1980s. She later graduated as class valedictorian from Reid Continuation High School. Rivera then attended LBCC before transferring to California State University, Long Beach, where she earned a degree in business administration. With her background in real estate and music, Rivera became a trailblazer in the male-dominated genre of música mexicana, launching her career with her debut album, “Somos Rivera,” in 1992.

This honor marks the second recognition Rivera has received from LBCC; she was inducted into the LBCC Hall of Fame earlier this year. Rivera’s legacy continues to thrive, with Long Beach city officials previously naming a park in her honor, featuring a mural celebrating her life and heritage.

In a touching moment during the unveiling of her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2024, her daughter Jenicka Lopez recounted her mother’s dreams of having her star in the vicinity, highlighting the lasting impact Rivera had on those around her.

As the news spreads, the community is invited to celebrate Rivera’s legacy through art and education, ensuring her spirit lives on in the hearts of future generations. The Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center promises to be a beacon of creativity and resilience in Long Beach, inspiring artists for years to come.