Support Exists—but Only If You Ask: What a Violent Video Says About Race, School, and Silence in Long Beach

Ashley Marshall, and her daughter Ky-lliyah Clardy speak at Millikan High School during a press conference with Dr. Sharifa Batts, president of the NAACP Long Beach offering support. - Photo by Jackie Rae

Another fight. Another video. Another Black student attacked. And still—too many people in Long Beach would rather scroll than speak out.

This week, a disturbing video surfaced on social media showing several young Latino men surrounding and attacking a young Black man at a McDonald's near Millikan High School. The video spread quickly, reigniting long-standing concerns about racial tensions on campus. 

While the identities of those involved remain unconfirmed, Los Angeles activist Najee Ali said he received a text from the victim’s mother detailing the assault.

Melvin McDuffie of 2nd Call shared how his organization helped a student who once robbed kids in the park for food. 

In the message, which Ali later shared with Long Beach community leaders, the mother wrote: "My son was attacked today at McDonald’s across the street from Millikan High School." She went on to say racial tensions at the school have been escalating since the start of the school year. "The Hispanic students are continuously targeting African American students. The African American students are aware there are certain restrooms they cannot utilize due to the risk of being jumped."

In response, Ali organized a press conference on Thursday, May 22, drawing church leaders, concerned teachers, parents, and students. Representatives from 100 Black Men of Long Beach, NAACP Long Beach, and 2nd Call also attended to offer guidance and support.

While those in attendance waited for the press conference to begin, Ali pulled the victim's family aside, filmed a video with them, and had them leave without speaking to supporters or media.

Their silence was noticeable, but others stepped up to speak. Melvin McDuffie of 2nd Call shared how his organization helped a student who once robbed kids in the park for food. 

The student has not only turned his life around but is now a mentor for other young adults in difficult situations. McDuffie says the first step is engaging in conversation about the issues, which can often be difficult. 

"It’s all about respect and gaining trust. Once we gain trust, it’s not really hard at all,” he explained. 

Millikan Footbal Coach says resources are available.

Millikan High School football coach Romeo Pellum also addressed the crowd, acknowledging the difficulties Black students face. "I’m a Black man who grew up in Long Beach. And I know the challenges of that," he said. 

He says students have resources—from the principal to teachers and coaches. Still, Pellum emphasized that support can’t only come from school.

“It’s just reality in the Black community a lot of kids don’t have dads. I grew up without a dad,” he said. “If there’s more support in the community and at home in the Black community, I think that would help overall in the City of Long Beach,” he said.

Millikan Student praises school principal

One student who has benefited from that kind of support is Ky-lliyah Clardy. A standout athlete and student, Clardy is Millikan’s first African American council chair, the girls' basketball team captain, and has a host of other accolades. She credited part of her success to Principal Stacey Alexander—who was criticized for “Failing African American Students” in the text to Ali.

Clardy has a positive take on the school's principal. “She stood up for me and said, 'You can do this if you set your mind to it,'" she recalled.

Her advice to students feeling unsupported: Find a mentor. “There are people who want to get you involved. Go to those people. Get involved, and don’t be in your shell—spread your wings and fly."

The message Thursday evening was clear: resources and support exist—but only if students and families are willing to seek them out.

No other media outlets showed up to cover the press conference. That absence didn’t go unnoticed.

It's worth noting that in December 2024, Najee Ali called for my firing from the Long Beach Post, months after most of the staff—including myself—had already left. His call came after I questioned his record while covering another press conference regarding the murder of Khalil Saleem Jr. at Silverado Park.

When I asked Ali how he reconciled his advocacy work with allegations in his past—including sexual assault, domestic violence, and witness intimidation—he responded, "The majority of the accusations have always been false. I challenge anyone who wants to know something, ask me."

Days later, the grieving mother from that press conference claimed she had been used to fuel an attack on Ali. He took to social media to accuse me of exploiting her.

On Thursday, Ali abruptly left the Long Beach event, shouting something about an emergency before driving off. He never clarified what that emergency was.

As of this writing, JackieRaeTV has not received a response from the victim’s family.

But one thing remains clear: racial violence in schools doesn’t disappear when the cameras turn off. And neither should the conversation.