Long Beach honors Harvey Milk Equality Plaza inductees, ceremony set for May 10

The Long Beach City Council on May 6 heard presentations from the Harvey Milk Promenade Equality Plaza selection committee honoring this year’s inductees to Equality Plaza at Harvey Milk Park.

Councilwoman Zendejas opened the presentation, saying the ceremony is one way the city “prioritiz[es] inclusion and equity.” Corey Allen, chair of the selection committee, told the council the public induction will take place Saturday, May 10 at 11 a.m.

Honorees introduced at the meeting included Larry Hiebert and his late longtime partner John Garcia (Ripples Nightclub founders); Kevin Geary (educator and early LGBTQ political organizer); Issa McKinley (restaurateur and founder of community events including “It’s a Drag to Give,” who unexpectedly died in January); Dr. Maria Cartier (poet, scholar and LGBTQ historian); and Alexandra Billings (actor, educator and trans advocate).

Larry Hiebert, speaking about his partner John Garcia, said the nightclub provided “a safe place for all people to be themselves and to feel welcomed and to be safe.” Committee members and council representatives noted the ceremony will join the newly honored individuals with earlier inductees on the Plaza’s recognition wall.

The council and committee invited the public to attend the May 10 ceremony and to join Pride Week events beginning that weekend. The mayor and council presented certificates and invited honorees and committee members to a photo following the council meeting.