OUR MISSION
The mission of Elite Skills Development (ESD) is to provide programming and resources to youth, adults, organizations, and small businesses in order to create pathways to self-sustainability and build healthy, productive communities.

BACKGROUND

Elite Skills Development began in 1999 as Ladies First, a collective of mothers who were interested in developing and mentoring their daughters and other African American girls in Long Beach.  In 2010, Ladies First transitioned to Elite Skills Development to create pathways to self-sustainability and business ownership. 

Black Resource Center (BRC)

The Black Resource Center (BRC), a program of Elite Skills, is a one-stop-shop for the Black and African American community to access information related to small business support, mental and physical health, financial literacy, youth and senior programs, COVID resources, rent and utility assistance, entrepreneurship, personal and career development. 

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Heritage Park

The first half of the 20th century shaped Black Americans’ identity and influence on the United States. In reaction to racist actions and laws in that period, Long Beach’s Central Area Black neighborhood provided a sense of belonging, serving as a space not only to garner wealth, but also to celebrate Black culture in a unique and authentic way. During this time, a Black cultural identity began to emerge, but Black Americans were still significantly affected by key events such as redlining, segregation and desegregation, and the assassinations of key Civil Rights leaders. These events impacted individual livelihoods and the fate of these neighborhoods.

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The history of our Central Area neighborhood has often been hidden and not fully recognized. As a way of honoring Black excellence and our full rich history, the Black community is committed to honoring the heritage of our neighborhood where African American businesses flourished, our churches provided hope and support and Black economic self-empowerment was the norm.

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Black Equity Initiative

The mission of the Black Equity Initiative is to join  communities and funders as partners in  strengthening the long-term sustainability of  Black-led and Black-empowering nonprofits, businesses  and organizations in Long Beach.  To facilitate this collective network Elite Skills has created the Black Resource Center.

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Coordinating Council

The collective network solely dedicated to organizing and empowering our Black voice, investing in Black leadership and empowering Black-led organizations.

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ORGANIZATION

Elite Skills Development was incorporated in 2010 and is a federal 501 (c) (3) non-profit, public benefit corporation. 

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Address: 

Black Resource Center -  

                  1135 Rhea Street (Central Facilities Center @ MLK Park)

                      Phone: 562 570-4400

                      Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:00am to 4:00pm 

Elite Skills Office & Training Center

                  3515 Linden Avenue #56, Long Beach, CA 90807                  

                Phone: 562 739-5276

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Connecting the Dots