As February unfolds, so does a significant opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and honor the rich tapestry of African American history and culture. Black History Month stands as a beacon of remembrance, a time to pay homage to the indomitable spirit and enduring contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It provides an opportunity to amplify the voices and stories that have been marginalized or overlooked, shedding light on the untold chapters of history. It is a reminder that the struggles and achievements of Black individuals are an integral part of the fabric of our collective history.
Black History Month is about honoring the past, celebrating the present, and embracing the promise of a more inclusive and equitable future.
In honor of this important month, we asked our community to share their personal perspective on Black History Month, with the question…
“What does Black History Month mean to you?”
Dr. Alisha Wilkins Franklin, Owner & Founder, Hera Hub Temecula
I celebrate black history daily, and I hope that non-blacks would be inspired to take the time during this designated month and beyond to learn our vibrant history and the many contributions we have made to this country.
Dr. Alisha Wilkins is an organizational psychologist, who has conducted extensive research on the challenges individuals experience developing psychological connections with each other when communicating using technology.
She has over 17 years of public affairs and government relations experience in both the for-profit and non-profit sector. She served as owner and political consultant for the Empire Consulting Group, a government relations firm which offered campaign strategies and messaging to candidates running for public office; as well as, public relations consulting to businesses and organizations on public outreach and engagement with key decision makers.
Lisane Basquiat, Owner, Hera Hub Carlsbad
I own and celebrate the beauty and gift of being a black woman; and I am committed to honoring, acknowledging, and commemorating our myriad contributions to this world and culture each and every day. I see the month of February as but another opportunity to publicly proclaim our spirit and legacy, just as Valentine’s Day is but a celebration of Love.
Lisane Basquiat is a former corporate executive turned life strategist, passionate about empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives. As the founder of Shaping Freedom and the host of the Shaping Freedom with Lisane Basquiat Podcast, she helps clients tap into their inner wisdom and overcome personal challenges. Lisane is also the owner of Hera Hub Carlsbad, a coworking space dedicated to supporting female entrepreneurs. In addition to her work in personal and spiritual growth, she serves as the co-administrator of the Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat and co-curator of the acclaimed “Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure” exhibition, further showcasing her dedication to preserving and promoting her family’s legacy.
Robin McCoy, President Chair, Women Organizing Women, Inc.
Black History Month is a tribute to the relentless spirit and advancements of African American men and women, underscoring the vital role of sharing knowledge and resources to empower and uplift the next generation of leaders. Here is a small contribution to help support our sistahs in this generation. Please apply.
Visionary, Community Leader, Social Entrepreneur, and President Chair of Women Organizing Women,Inc, Robin McCoy received her MBA in Public Administration from the Keller Graduate School of Management in Pomona, CA.
For Over 25 years, McCoy on behalf of Women Organizing Women (WOW), Inc., an international consortium of women working together on projects that build and improve communities, witness the grace of God on the expansion of support to women in Africa and India through WOW mission initiatives of Evangelistic Outreach, mentoring at-risk girls and supporting women in underserved communities.
McCoy, Social Entrepreneur, acts as business owner of Robin’s Nest Desserts and Catering and Director of Culinary Programs/Executive Pastry Chef for Oak Grove Culinary Creations, a workability program for foster care and at-risk youth. McCoy collides Faith, Business, and Community with the purpose to do good works.
Christina Batipps, Founder and Marketing Strategist, IdeaBrush
Black History Month is an opportunity to honor my own family and ancestors. Through oral history, documents, and family photos, I’ve learned about the challenges my family members encountered during enslavement and Jim Crow. They had so much to endure, yet continued to uplift themselves and fight their way to success and advancement. My family members are my own personal heroes. I look to them for inspiration this month and every month.
Christina is an analytical marketer with creativity constantly on the brain. She works exclusively with creative and cultural businesses, including creative retail brands, arts nonprofits, restaurants and more. She has a passion for taking time and care to deeply understand a business’ voice, mission, and goals, and she works closely with them to help their brands reach new heights through digital marketing strategy.
As a digital marketer with an MBA in marketing, an MFA in painting, and a decade of experience working as a museum curator and in other roles at cultural, arts, and creative companies, she is positioned to understand and address the digital marketing challenges and goals of your business.
