Thank you—truly—for the overwhelming support after our official launch last week. I heard from extended family, church friends, college classmates, colleagues, coworkers, former teachers and students, fellow sports parents, neighbors, and folks I hadn’t seen in years. Many of you endorsed, volunteered, and donated. I’m grateful, encouraged, and more determined than ever.

My Story: Chapter 2 – A New Last Name

I was born Vivian Ramirez in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. When my mom married my stepfather—an African American petroleum engineer from Tallulah, Louisiana—he adopted me and gave me his last name. That’s when I became Vivian Williams.

We settled in the Del Amo subdivision of Carson, just west of Long Beach. I grew up in a predominantly Black neighborhood and attended Broadacres Elementary and Curtis Junior High. In eighth grade, I was accepted into the magnet program at Dodson Junior High and rode the “Carson bus” to San Pedro until I got to high school.

Those formative, culturally rich years shaped me. As a Latina immigrant with a Southern stepdad, raised in a Black neighborhood, I learned early how powerful it is when communities open doors and make room at the table. I grew up on Tajauta Avenue and my first babysitters were the Eloi family next door. They are from Haiti and I made lots of memories with them at birthday parties, church potlucks, and at the local park playing sports. In school, I had teachers who insisted I belonged—even before I spoke English.

 Why this matters to West Long Beach

That upbringing is the core of my leadership—direct, hands-on, fair, and welcoming. It’s why, as an educator, union leader, and trustee, I work to create opportunities for every family—no matter the language at home, the job they work, or their zip code. Long Beach is strongest when all of our stories are seen and heard.

Next week I’ll share more about my journey—and how those experiences will guide me at City Hall as I represent the diverse communities of District 7.

If this story resonates, please forward this email and invite friends to join our list so they can follow along, too.

Get involved!

Vivian MalauulU for Long Beach City Council

Fighting for working families, good jobs, strong schools, and safe neighborhoods—because when West Long Beach thrives, all of Long Beach thrives. Join us today! VivianForLongBeach.com

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Blessings and love,

Vivian Malauulu

P.S. ¿Hablas español? Puedo compartir mi historia en español—responde a este correo y con gusto te la envío.