Long Beach City College on Thursday dedicated its modern $102-million performing arts center to alumna and Latin music icon Jenni Rivera in a festive celebration worthy of “La Diva de la Banda,” as Rivera was known.
More than 50 students kicked off the program, performing as Los Vikingos de LBCC before a crowd of Rivera “fanáticos,” as board of trustees member Vivian Malauulu referred to the audience.
Rivera’s “success shines a bright light on Long Beach,” Malauulu said. The dedication of the space not only recognizes Rivera’s contributions as a musician, she said, but creates “an opportunity for our students to see themselves as artists and storytellers,” especially because Rivera’s story, one of hardship and perseverance, mirrors what so many LBCC students go through, she added.
“My mom’s story has always been one, not of perfection, but of resilience,” said Jacqie Rivera, Jenni Rivera’s daughter. “She wasn’t born into privilege. She fought tirelessly,” she said, referencing her mother’s journey through school while parenting and working for her father’s record label…