Black & White Ball 2022 will be recognizing notable LGBTQ locals to the Long Beach Community. Five awards will be presented at this year's event:

Warrior Award – Alexandra Billings

Ellen Ward Leadership Award – Dr. Alex (Alexi) Washington

Dr. Alex Washington (he/him) will receive the Ellen Ward Leadership Award, named for the late Long Beach activist, business owner, and politician who served as a center board member and founded AIDS Walk Long Beach. An internationally recognized researcher and activist, Washington is a professor in the School of Social Work, and Faculty Equity Advocate for the College of Health and Human Services, at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) where he has been studying barriers and challenges to HIV and COVID prevention in African America and Latinx people.

Business Icon Award – Lola’s Mexican Cuisine, Owners Brenda Rivera and Luis Navarro

The Business Icon Award will go to Lola’s Mexican Cuisine. Owners Brenda Rivera (she/her) and Luis Navarro (he/him) have been supportive partners in many events at The Center since 2008 when they established the popular 4th Street eatery. Their continuous support of center activities through in-kind and monetary donations has been significant. In addition to two Lola’s locations, the couple also own The Social List and Portuguese Bend in downtown Long Beach.

Political Icon Award – Tim Patton

Tim Patton (he/him) receives the Political Icon Award for his unflagging support of The Center. A nearly 30-year veteran of Long Beach politics, Patton serves as the
mayor’s senior administrative deputy and liaison to the LGBTQ+ community. He holds the distinction of being the first openly gay person to work on the 14th floor of City Hall, where the council offices are located.

Community Icon Award – South Coast Chorale

Long Beach’s LGBTQ chorus, the South Coast Chorale will receive the Community Icon Award for their work to entertain, educate, build bridges, and uplift people through their music.