Saturday, October 3, 2026 • 6 p.m.
Conrad Washington, DC
950 New York Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
BE. Gala
Step into a night prestigious evening dedicated to honoring the Black identity, voices are uplifted, and community shines.
BE. is the Center for Black Equity’s gala — a celebration of Black LGBTQ+ brilliance, leadership, and liberation. With an elegant atmosphere and a bold mission, this unforgettable evening brings together advocates, allies, and change-makers committed to equity and joy.
Come dressed to express. Come ready to celebrate. Come as you are — and BE.
“The freeing of Black gay genius requires that we develop institutions to secure the foundation of the Black gay community.”
Host Committee
CO-CHAIR
Carmen J. Neely
Co-Founder, President & CEO
Harlem Pride
CO-CHAIR
Letoi Williams
Deputy Director, Volunteer Leadership
Human Rights Campaign
Sponsors
BE. Celebrated.
Courtney R. Snowden
Welmore Cook Advocacy & Service Award
Clover Barnes
Ernest Hopkins Public Health Leadership Award
Nikki Alexander-Tumblin
Unsung Hero Award
Darryl G. Moore
Center for Black Equity Leadership Award
Tori Cooper
Earline Budd Transgender Leadership Award
The FreeLux Project
Center for Black Equity Small Business Award
In Our Own Voices, Inc.
Ruth Ellis Community Impact Award
Bishop Steven Sawyer
Bishop Kwabena Rainey Cheeks Spiritual &
Community Leadership Award
Rev. Dr. Carmarion D. Anderson
Bishop Kwabena Rainey Cheeks Spiritual & Community Leadership Award
Monroe Alise
Trans Power in Media Award
Justin N. Stewart
National Black Pride Image Award
Marlene McNeese
Curtis L. Etherly Jr. Ally Award
Texas State Representative Venton Jones
Eleanor Holmes Norton Civil Rights & Justice Award
BE. Seen.
Show your support, share your message, and be seen alongside a celebration of Black LGBTQ+ excellence through BE. Gala sponsorship and BE. Gala Program advertising.
The BE. Gala is more than an evening of celebration. It is an opportunity to honor Black LGBTQ+ leadership while investing in the work of the Center for Black Equity. Sponsorship provides prominent visibility and meaningful engagement with our community, while advertising in the BE. Gala Program offers a direct way to celebrate honorees, demonstrate support, and reach an engaged audience
SPONSORSHIPS
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Reserved for the most esteemed supporters, Legends lead the way in advancing equity, visibility, and justice for the Black LGBTQ+ community.
Speaking opportunity to open the gala
Opportunity to present one of the CBE awards (Center for Black Equity Leadership Award or Center for Black Equity Small Business Award) during the gala
Exclusive host of the VIP Welcome Reception
Custom company banner on CBE homepage and event registration page 60-second commercial spot during gala program
Recognition as Scholarship Benefactor
Three (3) branded activations on-site (e.g. photo booth, lounge, step-and-repeat experience)
Recognition three (3) times by emcee during Gala
Name and/or logo featured on gala marketing materials, event materials, event signage, website, and social media
Seat on Awards Selection Committee
Placement of up to three (3) products in attendee gift bags
Two-page spread in the BE. Gala Program
Two VIP tables (20 tickets total) with premier front-row placement and custom table branding
Full impact report post-event + exclusive brand highlight in wrap-up deck
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Icons are cultural pillars whose influence and commitment inspire generations and elevate the voices of Black LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide.
30-second commercial spot during gala program
Scholarship sponsor acknowledgment
Two (2) branded activations on-site (e.g. photo booth, lounge, step-and-repeat experience)
Recognition three (3) times by emcee during Gala
Name and/or logo featured on gala marketing materials, event materials, event signage, website, and social media
Placement of up to two (2) products in attendee gift bags
Full-page ad in the BE. Gala Program (back cover or inside cover)
Premier VIP table for ten (10) with name signage
Access to post-event impact wrap-up deck
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Luminaries shine brightly, lighting the path toward progress through advocacy, leadership, and unwavering support.
15-second commercial spot during gala program
One (1) branded activation on-site (e.g. photo booth, lounge, step-and-repeat experience)
Recognition two (2) times by emcee during Gala
Name and/or logo included on gala marketing materials, event materials, event signage, website, and social media
Inclusion of one (1) product in attendee gift bags
Full-page ad in BE. Gala Program
Premier table for ten (10) with premium placement
Access to post-event impact wrap-up deck
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Voice Builders amplify the stories, perspectives, and power of Black LGBTQ+ communities, ensuring they are heard and celebrated.
Recognition two (2) times by emcee during Gala
Name and/or logo included on gala marketing materials, event materials, event signage, website, and social media
Inclusion of one (1) product in attendee gift bags
Half-page ad in the BE. Gala Program
Reserved table for ten (10) guests
Access to post-event impact wrap-up deck
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Changemakers drive tangible impact, building connections and advancing initiatives that create lasting change.
Recognition by emcee during Gala
Name and/or logo included on gala marketing materials, event materials, event signage, website, and social media
Half-page ad in BE. Gala Program
Reserved table for eight (8)
Access to post-event impact wrap-up deck
Customized packages are available upon request.
To get started or ask questions, email sponsorship@centerforblackequity.org.
BE. Gala Program Advertising
Place your message in the BE. Gala Program, distributed to guests during the evening. Advertising offers a direct way to celebrate honorees, showcase your business or organization, or share a message of support with our community.
Full Page: $500
Half Page: $250
Ad deadline: Friday, September 25, 2026
BE. There
BE. Gala is officially sold out, with every seat spoken for as we prepare to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ brilliance, leadership and liberation.