Downtown Long Beach is very fortunate to have many shining lights in our community — individuals and organizations who tirelessly pursue their goals for the betterment of Downtown. Honoring them has become a tradition through the Spirit of Downtown Awards, presented yearly by the Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) since 2012.
The next group of Spirit of Downtown Awards will be presented at DTLB Art Walk: Celebrate Downtown Edition, happening on Saturday, April 13. Nominations are still open! We encourage you to think about those whose accomplishments in 2023 are worthy of this prestigious accolade. You can submit nominations here until the deadline on March 17 at midnight.
Read about several Spirit of Downtown Award winners from previous years! Noting their accomplishments gives them some well-deserved recognition and may move you to make an award nomination, or even inspire you to up your game and become a future Spirit of Downtown Award winner yourself.
2022 / CAROLE SERGY
Sergy is founder and co-leader (along with Pat Welch) of Beautify Pine, a loosely organized group of residents who have rejuvenated and now maintain twelve planters on Pine Avenue between 4th and 7th Streets. “ ‘I cannot do great things but I can do small things greatly’ is a Martin Luther King Jr. quote that inspires me,” said Sergy. “Doing things for everyone in our community is important to me. I thank DLBA and Austin Metoyer in particular for seeing that.”
2021 / DOWNTOWN RUNNERS, represented by Joaquin Nuñez
Nuñez is the organizer of this running club, which has hosted local athletes for almost eight years. The club gives runners of all ages and abilities the opportunity to gather with fellow enthusiasts, get a good workout, see the sights of Downtown, and socialize! Nuñez keeps the club plugged in with various Downtown charities as well. “To join, just show up,” said Nuñez. “No registration, no fees. It’s totally free.”
2020 / AWARDS POSTPONED DUE TO PANDEMIC
2019 / ISA AND JOSIE RACHED, Owners of The B Room, and organizers of the “It’s a Drag to Give” annual charity event
“It’s a Drag to Give,” the Downtown charity event which will be celebrating its tenth anniversary later this year, is committed to providing a safe space for all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, background, heritage, religion, abilities, gender identity, and sexual orientation. “The only identifying characteristic that will not be tolerated at ‘It’s a Drag to Give’ will be hatefulness,” emphasized Isa Rached, who is the CEO of the popular B Room Salon in Downtown.
2018 / ARTS COUNCIL FOR LONG BEACH
The Arts Council for Long Beach (ACLB) is a nonprofit that has nurtured the arts in Downtown and throughout Long Beach since 1976! The organization serves individuals, groups, and organizations through advocacy, arts education, public art, and grant making within the City of Long Beach. ACLB is proud to practice profound inclusion as a collaborator and convener for the benefit of all communities.
Nominations close on March 17, use this form to nominate a Downtown rockstar!