Red represents LIFE
"Life's a bitch. You got to go out and kick ass."
- Maya Angelou
Mission
The Mission of The Best of Washington is to promote

all through supporting people and institutions in the community that are committed to growth, change, and understanding.
History

In 1974, Bob Lomax and a small group of friends turned a local house party in the District of Columbia into a city-wide organization that would go on to plan events with a spirit of fun, glamour and excitement for the African-American gay and lesbian community. The organization was aptly titled The Best of Washington. Sales of chicken sandwiches provided initial funds for BW public events such as dances at the Elks Lodge at 919 H St Northwest. Success built quickly for Lomax and the organization, and soon BW blossomed into a social force in the DC black gay community. As testament to its durability and the support of many who uphold its purpose, The Best of Washington still remains operational to this day after over 3 decades of service.

The Best of Washington was not the first black gay social group. Lomax’s circle of friends followed in the wake of The Pinochle Club, The Metropolitan Capitolites, and The Group, earlier social clubs that provided outlets for people to roll in the good times. Eventually BW broadened its scope from the party scene to fundraising and social issues, ultimately turning it into to an even more succesful, multi-faceted organization catering to a larger audience...which, of course, meant larger parties. All Night Struts, Watergate Affairs, the Palm Ballroom and the annual Alice Awards were the scene. By the end of the 70's, a spot on the BW's invitation mailing list was a much sought after social recognition.

Until the mid-80s, The Best of Washington concentrated solely on having fun, steering clear of political and social issues affecting the community. With the arrival of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, attitudes began to change as did the focus of BW and other social clubs. Members became more involved in the issues of the day. Through the rest of the decade and the 90's, The Best of Washington became more active in addressing social issues affecting the black gay community through fundraisers, volunteering, and providing support to those living with HIV/AIDS and facing other issues.

Still standing after all these years, The Best of Washington has become one of the black gay community’s enduring organizations with a strong commitment not only to good times but to supporting people and institutions that are imperative in shaping a stronger, healthier and more secure community.