Out ‘n About on First Fridays
As part of Long Beach's monthly First Fridays celebration, the Black Scholars Program team had the opportunity to explore the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (AACCLB) and visit its newest exhibition, Black Cowboys: More Than a Myth. The exhibit highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Black cowboys to the American West and celebrates a rich history that is frequently left out of mainstream narratives.
One of the highlights of the evening was meeting Cowgirl Chanel, a first-generation English and Western rider featured in the exhibit. Chanel's journey into horseback riding began right here in Long Beach when she was 20 years old. While attending California State University, Long Beach, she worked to pay for riding lessons, learning just up the street from Jordan High School.
"I don't really consider myself a competitor," Chanel shared while reflecting on her experience in the equestrian world. Instead, she sees herself as an entrepreneur and community builder. In addition to participating in horse riding competitions, she founded Mane Tresses, a business that creates custom wig pieces for horses that match their riders' hairstyles. What started during the quarantine period, after dozens of prototypes and product refinements, has grown into a business with customers around the world.
Chanel is also expanding her impact beyond business. She is currently developing a nonprofit focused on creating zero-waste ranches, combining her passion for horses, sustainability, and community engagement. Being featured in the AACCLB exhibition, as well as a previous Black cowboy exhibition at the Autry Museum of the American West, is an honor she hopes will inspire others to explore equestrian spaces and recognize the enduring legacy of Black cowboys.
The evening also provided an opportunity to briefly speak with David Zaid, the newly appointed superintendent of Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD). As he begins his tenure, Superintendent Zaid has been actively gathering feedback from community members to help shape his leadership priorities.
His outreach materials feature the Ghanaian Adinkra symbol Mate Masie, represented by four ears and commonly translated as "what I hear, I keep." For Zaid, the symbol represents more than simply listening.
"It's not just that I'm listening to you," he explained. "I keep it, and I put it into practice."
This principle serves as a guiding philosophy for his work as superintendent. Zaid emphasized the importance of seeking wisdom and knowledge from the community, noting that meaningful leadership requires both listening and action. According to him, action without listening can lead to resistance, while sustainable leadership depends on turning community voices into practice.
The evening at AACCLB served as a reminder that history, culture, and community are deeply connected. Through exhibits like Black Cowboys: More Than a Myth and conversations with local leaders and changemakers, First Fridays continues to offer meaningful opportunities to learn more about the people and stories shaping Long Beach.
