UPDATE: Long Beach City College has officially named its new performing arts center after the iconic local artist Jenni Rivera, following a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees. This momentous decision was announced just last week, elevating Rivera’s legacy in her hometown.
The Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center will serve as a tribute not only to Rivera’s extraordinary talent but also to her enduring connection with the community of Long Beach, California. “This naming recognizes not just an extraordinary performer, but a daughter of Long Beach whose voice and spirit transcended borders,” said Uduak-Joe Ntuk, president of LBCC’s Board of Trustees. “Jenni Rivera inspired millions through her music, resilience, and advocacy.”
In a groundbreaking move, Jenni Rivera Enterprises will contribute $2 million over the next ten years to the LBCC Foundation, primarily aimed at scholarships and educational programs. This generous donation underscores the Rivera family’s commitment to supporting future generations of artists. “Our family is deeply honored that Long Beach City College has chosen to memorialize Jenni in this extraordinary way,” stated Jacqie Rivera, Rivera’s daughter and CEO of Jenni Rivera Enterprises.
The performing arts center is set to open in spring 2026 and marks the second major honor for Rivera from LBCC, following her induction into the LBCC Hall of Fame earlier this year. Rivera, a trailblazing figure in the world of musica mexicana, was born and raised in Long Beach and attended Long Beach Poly High School in the 1980s. She ultimately graduated as class valedictorian from Reid Continuation High School.
Rivera’s journey began at LBCC before she transferred to California State University, Long Beach, where she earned a degree in business administration. She quickly applied her education as a real estate agent while simultaneously working in her father’s recording studio. Rivera’s father, Pedro Rivera, was a well-known corrido singer who founded the influential record label Cintas Acuario.
Having released her debut album, “Somos Rivera,” in 1992, Jenni Rivera’s career skyrocketed, establishing her as the “Diva de la Banda.” Tragically, her life was cut short when she died in a plane crash in Mexico on December 9, 2012, leaving a profound impact on her fans and the music industry.
Long Beach has continuously honored Rivera’s legacy, including the naming of Jenni Rivera Memorial Park, which features a stunning 125-foot mural celebrating her life. Additionally, in 2024, Rivera was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, accepted by her children.
“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,’” reflected Jenicka Lopez, Rivera’s daughter, during the star unveiling ceremony. “I thought it was impossible after she passed away, but God has a beautiful way of proving people wrong.”
As the community prepares for the opening of the Jenni Rivera Performing Arts Center, it stands as a lasting reminder of Rivera’s contributions and the inspiration she continues to provide. This development not only honors a local legend but also paves the way for future artists to thrive in an environment that celebrates their creativity.
