Saturday, October 4, 2025 • 6 p.M.
National Press Club
529 14th Street NW
Washington, DC 20045
Souvenir Booklet | Photos | Videos | Honorees | Sponsorship | Auction
BE. A Gala for Black Equity
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.”
Hosts
Malachi Hammonds
Bloomberg Industry Group
Senior Sales Technology Manager
Carmen J. Neely
Co-Founder, President & CEO
Harlem Pride
Letoi Williams
Deputy Director
Human Rights Campaign
Sponsors
Honorees
Tracey Africa Norman
Welmore Cook Advocacy & Service Award
A. Cornelius Baker
(Posthumously)
Ernest Hopkins Public Health Leadership Award
Dr. David Johns
Earl D. Fowlkes Jr. President’s Award
Jack Mizrahi
Unsung Hero Award
Hope Giselle-Godsey
Center for Black Equity Leadership Award
MOBI (Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative)
Center for Black Equity Small Business Award
Patrik-Ian Polk
Alan Sharpe Artistic Excellence Award
Bishop OC Allen
Bishop Kwabena Rainey Cheeks Spiritual &
Community Leadership Award
A’Jay Jackson
BE. Icon Award
People’s Choice Award
Big Freedia
National Black Pride Image Award
Eva Marcille
Curtis L. Etherly Jr. Ally Award
United States Representative Jasmine Crockett
Eleanor Holmes Norton Civil Rights & Justice Award
BE. Seen — Sponsorships & Souvenir Journal Ads
Show your support, share your message, and shine alongside a historic celebration of Black LGBTQ+ excellence.
The BE. Gala is more than an evening of celebration — it’s a movement to honor, uplift, and invest in the Black LGBTQ+ community. Your sponsorship or ad purchase is a powerful way to stand with us, align your name with this historic event, and amplify impact far beyond the night itself.
Sponsorship opportunities offer exceptional visibility, premium event experiences, and meaningful connection with our diverse community of leaders, advocates, and allies.
Ads in the BE. Gala Souvenir Journal provide a lasting keepsake for attendees while showcasing your support, celebrating honorees, or sharing your message with 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 Souvenir Booklet
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 Souvenir Booklet (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 Souvenir Booklet VIP table for tent (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 Souvenir Booklet 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 Souvenir Booklet
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.
SOUVENIR JOURNAL Ads
Be part of the BE. Gala keepsake by placing your ad in our Souvenir Journal — a lasting way to celebrate honorees, showcase your business, or share your message with our community.
Full Page: $500
Half Page: $250
Ad deadline: Friday, September 19, 2025
BE. There
BE. part of this unforgettable evening — reserve your seat now at our exclusive early rates while it lasts.
Please note: the Gala has reached full capacity. Walk-up guests will not be admitted.
$150
Balcony seating and access to cash bar. Dinner not included.
$300
Full event, dinner, seat at banquet table, two (2) drinks.
$2,500
Eight (8) VIP tickets, dinner, private table, sixteen (16) drinks, table champagne, & wine, stage acknowledgment.
Community Contributors
