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Being a Southwest Fresno Native, LaTisha Harris has seen the good, the bad and ugly while actively working to improve her community. Been a pastor’s daughter and granddaughter, it was instilled in her at an early age, the importance of serving her community, while advocating for those in need.

After receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, with an emphasis in Child Welfare from California State University, Fresno; LaTisha has served at various non-profits in the Central Valley- empowering and advocating for people of color in disadvantaged communities. From contract negotiations and enforcement for fair wages and benefits to organizing campaigns to fight for Environmental Justice, in communities of color that are oftentimes adversely impacted the most, LaTisha has seen first hand,  the disparities that communities of color face; but she refuses to give up the fight and will continue to be the voice for those that are often forgotten about. 

While working as a Program Manager for a local organization, LaTisha began to recognize the organizational infrastructure issues that minority businesses and organizations face inhibiting their success. Rather than focusing on the problem, she developed a solution and launched her own business, Divinely Created Administrative Consulting. Here she focuses on providing technical assistance to small businesses, organizations and churches, whether they are just starting out or want to grow to the next level. Although still in its infancy stages, she has been able to help businesses and organizations throughout California thrive.

Even though her business is growing, she has not quit her day job….yet! She currently works for a National Organization as a Frontline Community Organizer-representing the hardest-hit communities—Indigenous, African-American, Latino, Asian Pacific Islander, poor and working-class families,on the front lines of climate disaster and fossil-fuel extraction and pollution across this state.  It is her focus to build a sustainable community, energy democracy, job creation and affordable housing.

LaTisha actively serves at her local church as Administrator and Women’s Ministry Director. With all of her accomplishments, her greatest passion is being a mother to three gifted and talented blessings, her children- Jeremiah, Samarra and Deron.

LaTisha is committed to "finding the need and meeting it; finding the hurt and healing it." Her objective is to complete the God-ordained assignment on her life, while serving people and her community with a sincere and Christ-centered heart.

LaTisha Harris- 1-part entrepreneur + 1-part community activist/organizer +1 -part Mother = 100% Community Advocate and Servant 

If you would like to meet or celebrate with Latisha Harris, we are thrilled to invite you to celebrate with us at our All Black Affair - Black Magical Award event on February 29th @ Smugglers Banquet Hall at 7pm.

Purchase Tickets here
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-black-affair-bmw-awards-tickets-92...

Elisha Henderson is a Mother, Entrepreneur, Community Advocate for the African American Community as well as a Health and Wellness Coach for our Veterans at the VA Hospital. Originally from the Bay Area, Elisha came to Fresno to attend California State University, Fresno. She graduated with a B.S. in Criminology and then later obtained her Master’s in Human Resource Management with an emphasis on Organizational Change.  She currently serves as the President of the Fresno State African American Alumni and Friends Club. This is just one of the ways that Elisha tries to help past, current and future students of Fresno State.

As the Owner and Chief Editor of Final Look Editing she works diligently to provide quality and affordable editing services to a wide range of customers. No matter if it is a self-published book, a thesis, dissertation, or even a Facebook post, Final Look Editing will get the job done. Recently she was honored to work with Fresno County Superintendent of Schools to assist in the writing of the Community Voices Moving Towards Excellence. This document opens the doors for the community to come together to fight for our African American students.  

The entrepreneur that Elisha is recognizes the importance of teaching her two daughters how to be in a position of ownership and not only an employee. Under her management her youngest daughter Evonne Henderson (12 years old) is the owner of E-Money Entertainment and provides professional DJ services to the Fresno Community. At the same time her eldest daughter Elana Henderson (15 years old) will be launching her company E-Magine Social Media Management later this year.

Ms. Henderson saw the need for increased involvement in her children’s academic careers as racism and anti-Black behavior was going unpunished. This involvement went from being on the PTA at both Baird Middle School and Bullard High School, to acting as the Chair of the African American Parent Committee at Bullard High School and being a member of Black Education Collaboration Organized Network (BECON). Add her participation in Black Leaders Organized for Change (BLOC) and you can guess that Elisha is continually working to build a better future for not only her children but all of ours. 

At the Fresno VA Hospital, Elisha is a Social Science Program Coordinator for the Whole Health Program under the Chief of Staff. It is in this capacity that she works with Veterans and staff to change the culture from focusing on what is the matter with a Veteran to what matters to them. Passionate about her work she has been certified in Healing Touch and is working towards certification in Tai Chi. Through Health and Wellness Coaching she is able to help both Veterans and her co-workers with goal setting and alternate forms of treatment that are complimentary to their traditional care. Services such as Acupuncture, Chiropractic services, Massage Therapy, Tai Chi, Healing Touch and Yoga are only a few that Elisha assists with.

Elisha Henderson’s passion for helping people and drive to be a blessing to others show in her commitment to excellence and are why she is a Black Magical Woman. 

If you would like to meet or celebrate with Elisha, we are thrilled to invite you to celebrate with us at our All Black Affair - Black Magical Award event on February 29th @ Smugglers Banquet Hall at 7pm.

Purchase Tickets here

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-black-affair-bmw-awards-tickets-92581893937?aff=ebdssbeac

Lisa Nichols was born in Daly City, CA and moved to Fresno at the age of three. She graduated from Hoover High School in 1991. Lisa is the first in her family to receive a college degree. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State University of Fresno (CSUF). She continued pursing her education and received a second Masters Degree in Education and an Administrative Credential.

Lisa is a Vice Principal on Special Assignment with Fresno Unified School District’s GOAL 2 Office/School Leadership. She was a part of the team that opened Gaston Middle School in 2014. She plays an important role in creating a culture in which the needs of students, teachers, families and the community are met through building positive connections. In her first role at FUSD, Lisa implemented and ran two critical after school programs at an elementary school site, Girl Power and Boys 2 Men. The Girl Power program taught young girls to be confident, to stand up for themselves, and to be healthy. The Boys 2 Men mentoring program for at-risk students, taught learning skills applicable for the real world. In addition, students learned to be leaders, self-sufficient learners, resolve conflicts, and resist peer influences.

With 10 years working in child welfare, and 8 years working as a social worker in a hospital setting, Lisa has impacted the lives of many adults. She provided resources and emotional support that aided in their ability to get their lives back on track and improved the quality of life for them.

She currently serves as a Commissioner for the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC), Board Member for the Marjorie Mason Center, Board Member for the Black Students of California United (BSCU) Co-Advisor for the Black Student Union Club (BSU) at Gaston Middle School and is a chapter member of San Joaquin Valley Alumnae (SJVA) Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She was recently appointed to the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Board of Directors. In addition, she has served as the co-chair for the Educational Development Committee for 7 years, which has been instrumental in hosting the African American High School Recognition Ceremony for the past 26 years.

In June of 2008, Lisa was recognized as a trailblazer by the San Joaquin Valley Alumnae Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. In March of 2014, Lisa was recognized by the Fresno Black Chamber of Commerce for outstanding contributions to the Fresno area. She received the “Passing the Torch” trailblazer award in February of 2015 from the African American Historical Cultural Museum and recognized as ACSA Administer of the Year in 2016.

Lisa has overcome many obstacles in her life, however she believes her struggles have made her a stronger person. She has risen above childhood domestic violence, poverty, both speech and learning disabilities. Lisa contributes her education accomplishments and her passion for community involvement to her grandmother, Ethel Luke, who raised her, and has made her to be the women she is today.

Lisa has 2 daughters, Candice, age 27, Bria, 27 and two grandsons, Ellis, age 4 and Adrian, age 3
months.

If you would like to meet or celebrate with Lisa Nichols , we are thrilled to invite you to celebrate with us at our All Black Affair - Black Magical Award event on February 29th @ Smugglers Banquet Hall at  7pm. 

Purchase Tickets here 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-black-affair-bmw-awards-tickets-92...

Keshia Thomas M.Ed 

President of Fresno Unified Board of Trustees’s Keshia Thomas is the proud mother of three sons and a daughter as well as two grandsons. She was elected by the voters in the Edison High Region. 

Trustee Thomas’s resume includes a Master’s degree in education, BS in education, teaching and administrative credential and a State License in Cosmetology. Her work history lists family construction business, cosmetologist, journeyman cashier, elementary, middle school and high school teacher and administrator, and businesswoman. She is currently an Executive Director of the Saints Rest EDC and a Program Director at Fresno Career Development Institute, Inc., a non-profit organization. 

President Thomas has dedicated her attention to be of service to her community with a focus on education. Her objective as a trustee on the school board is to do what she can to raise Fresno Unified School District to become a premier school district on the national stage. Her emphasis is ensuring that all children are lifted to equal standing with an emphasis on children of color, and that their parents are brought in to participate in their education. 

Prior to her election to the Fresno Unified School District Trustee Board, Trustee Thomas found time to give back to her community through working in her church, Fellowship Baptist Church, as Assistant Director of the Homeless Ministry and Assistant Director of the Children’s Church. 

Trustee Thomas also serves as a member of the following organizations: 

Dailey Charter School Board of Directors, Center for Advanced Research and Technology(CART) Board Member, Central Valley New Market Tax Credit Board Member, Women’s Democratic Club, National Women’s Political Caucus, West Fresno Democratic Club, Kennedy Club and Chair of the Youth and Young Adults committee of Black Women Organized for Political Action(BOWAPA) 

If you would like to meet or celebrate with Keshia Thomas, we are thrilled to invite you to celebrate with us at our All Black Affair - Black Magical Award event on February 29th @ Smugglers Banquet Hall at 7pm.

Purchase Tickets here
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-black-affair-bmw-awards-tickets-92...

Kimberly Tapscott-Munson was born March 12,1964 to Patti Walker Tapscott & Benny James Tapscott, Jr. in Oakland, CA. Kimberly grew up in the Bay Area, and in Fresno, CA. during the summers and holiday vacations. Kimberly was also raised under the loving touch of Betty Kennedy-Tapscott, her second Mother. Kimberly attended Britton Middle School and Live Oak High School, all located in Morgan Hill, CA. Kimberly studied the Art of Ballet for 10 years and mastered dance en pointe. In 1982 Kimberly graduated from Skyline High School, in the hills of Oakland, CA. Kimberly is an expert skier, skiing at her favorite slopes of Heavenly, Bear Valley, and Squaw Valley in Olympic Valley, CA. Kimberly also modeled professionally for a private designer, while she resided in the Bay Area.

Kimberly have 3 beautiful daughters, Karea Dorothy, Pridjet Carrie, and Briona L. Mary. Kimberly had a very successful career in the Bay Area, while working for such companies as I.B.M., Apple Computer, and Mutual of New York where she was a Life Insurance Underwriter and the Manager of the Death Claims Department.  Dr. Donald K. Cheek became her Second Dad, who has been a constant inspiration in Kimberly's life, for over 20 years. Kimberly begin to work for Fresno Unified School District, where she was employed for 20 years as a School Librarian, she was fondly referred to as "Ms. Kim" where she ran her library with "Tough Love" where the rules were followed with her loving touch. Kimberly was dedicated to the children of F.U.S.D. she could have sought employment elsewhere and have tripled her salary but she chose to stay with F.U.S.D., to be there for the children, this was her Ministry! For Kimberly always felt that the Library was the "Heart of the School" and students would come to the Library to seek, knowledge, love, words of encouragement and most of all … a hug!

In 2008, Kimberly married Darryl Munson, the love of her life and with this union she gained another son, Joseph D.  

In 2017, Kimberly took a bold step out on faith. With a desire to represent her beloved community in District 3, by running for City Council. This was her first Campaign, and with little knowledge of the process. But if you know Kimberly, then you know she is not one that walks away from a challenge, she's a fixer. She will look a problem square in the eye, and start to make a plan of attack, with a Plan A, Plan B and always the wonderful backup to the backup… a Plan C! Little did she know that she would be running against 5 outstanding men! Kimberly looked at this opportunity as she was forming 5 business relationships for the future and form, she did. But what was beautiful about the District 3 Race is that all 6 candidates truly had a passion for District-3 and they all felt qualified for the position. Needless to say, she learned a lot from the process. She learned that she couldn’t do it alone and that she needed a team!

Kimberly states, "Education (FCOE) We Will Make History! I Will Be The First Woman Of Color Elected the First!" And in November's Primary Election of 2018, she won her election with over 12,000 votes! She ran against 3 other people. Kimberly has currently completed her 1st year of her 4-year term. It is exciting to see her in this role as the 1st Woman of Color Elected to The Board!

Spring 2019 she had the pleasure of becoming a Soror through Legacy into the Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Alpha Nu Omega Chapter, in Oakland CA. We are known as " The girls with the 20 pearls." With 15 of my line sisters. I am a double Greek Legacy, for my father belongs to the Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity Chapter, in Fresno, CA.  Kimberly is also a DOL: A Daughter of A Link.

October 28, 2019, Kimberly ventured into another stream of revenue. KTM Consulting Services. " The Answer… To All Of Your Questions!" Which lead to a new position as Community Engagement Consultant to the City of Fresno. Through Board Council President Miguel Angel Arias Office in District 3.  Kimberly quoted, "I'm Just A Girl Boss… Building Her Empire!"

Anita Paggett is the Owner of Nitaann’s Edible Creations Home based Bakery. This came about after
she retired from the Postal Service after working there for 22 years. She is a mother of four children
and four grandchildren. Anita’s mother, Annie, realized Anita starting picking up habits of an entrepreneur at an early age. Anita was already making homemade ice cream and baking cookies and she would set up a little table in front of their home and sell her deserts.  

Over the years she has won several cake decorating contest. She received recognition 4 years in a row in The Big Fresno Fair cake decorating contest. She received 1st place, Best of The Show and Judges Choice ribbon. When she isn’t tied up designing cakes for fairs, custom orders, birthdays, etc., She teaches  classes at Michael’s Craft Stores within Fresno and Clovis. Anita also loves setting up her pop up booth at Vibe Festivals in-which she has participated at every festival since 2017. Anita's booth is all white with purple labels, it's vey hard to miss when she also has all the deserts for sale. 

On February 15, 2020, Anita and Gregory Washington joined each other in marriage. Anita also decided to merge her business with her husband restaurant called Smokey’s Grill. The new name now is Smokey’s Grill and Bake Shop. She bakes desserts and yeast rolls daily. In the future she plans on opening a location where she can teach culinary, baking, and cake decorating. 

Smokey’s Grill and Bake shop is located at 2707 N. Hughes, Fresno, CA 93705. (559) 477-7977 or (559)
906-7535

If you would like to meet and celebrate with Anita Paggett-Washington, we are thrilled to invite you to celebrate with us at our All Black Affair – Black Magical Award event on February 29th at Smugglers Banquet at 7 pm.

Purchase Tickets here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-black-affair-bmw-awards-tickets-92...

Tiffany Binion Mangum was born and raised in Fresno, California, to her parents, Dr. Paul and Valarie Binion. She was an extremely gifted student during her formative years, attending Roosevelt High School of the Arts, following her passion to study piano and voice. Tiffany furthered her education at California State University, Fresno, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree.

Tiffany possesses over 20 years of music experience, including 10+ years, at what has been considered a professional level. She also has several years of training and teaching in the arena of music and Creative Arts to her credit. Her learning and development in music began at an early age under the direction of her mother, Director of Music and Worship Arts at a church lead by her father. Tiffany is a founding member of the youth choir and worship teams. She continues to be active in music locally and nationally, as a result of her early training – serving in various capacities within the Worship Arts Ministry including Praise & Worship Leader, Trainer/Teacher, songwriter, choir director, producer, and in other capacities outside of her church organization (i.e. Christian music associations, consortiums, etc.).

Tiffany is an active member of the California Gospel Music Artists Association, National Alliance of Gospel Industry Professionals, Hawkins Music & Arts Seminar, the Recording Academy (Grammy) and several others. She is skilled and trained in various genres of the Arts.

Tiffany also has had the privilege of working with a variety of recording artists, including Kathy Taylor, Martha Munizzi, Joshua Rogers, the late Vernon Chappell, Christian David and friends, and others. Also, she’s had an opportunity to open for artists such as Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, and Anita Wilson. She continues to render her songwriting and music as a vocalist in venues, both in and outside of her church, challenging her to reach a diverse audience of listeners. As a vocalist, Tiffany aspires to increasingly develop her songwriting and vocal skills, continuing to grow in knowledge and skill.

Tiffany has been very instrumental in her community, she currently serves on several boards; 

1. Made for Them - a human trafficking advocacy and services agency
2. Fresno Arts Council - Represents the performing arts community
3.  Manager of Executive Operations and California Ave Neighborhood Project Manager
   1. Overseeing the revitalization of Southwest Fresno development for Fresno Housing.

If you would like to meet or celebrate with Tiffany, we are thrilled to invite you to celebrate with us at our All Black Affair - Black Magical Award event on February 29th @ Smugglers Banquet Hall at 7pm.

Purchase Tickets here

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-black-affair-bmw-awards-tickets-92581893937?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Religion Without humanity, is very poor human stuff – Sojourner Truth

Tanisha has dedicated her magic to the west Fresno community &  grassroots’ organizations representing millennials with political aspirations & a desire to enhance communities of color, with a focus on young people. Having served as a two-time NAACP board member, under the leadership of Pam King & later, the leadership of Leroy Chandler. A former ACLU board member, under the leadership of Bob Simon & an alumni Black Lives Matter core organizer, under the leadership of Dr. Karen Crozier. In addition she has served with the San Joaquin Central Valley youth conference & Fellowship Missionary Baptist church under the leadership of the late Dr. Richard Daniels. As her love for serving others were born from faith-based communities.

Since she was 15 Tanisha, has represented youth led initiatives, alongside & Building Youth Tomorrow Today from lobbying to meeting with legislators, in most cases; these young people were the only youth on the scene. Later collaborating with other youth based nonprofits such as, California’s For Justice, Youth Leadership Institute, & Fresno Street Saints, just to name a few. By getting involved in her community as a teen, Tanisha is an avid believer of education & civic participation. She says her life will always be a representation of stewardship & community service as she reminds us “ Being woke is a lifestyle, not a trend”.

While continuing her work Tanisha led the Sandra Bland Anniversary march & has represented young people & the city of Fresno throughout California. She is 1 of the founders of Building Youth Tomorrow Today. This local non profit serves young people all over greater Fresno, promoting higher education & community engagement. For these leaders, investing in youth is inevitable, as our mission is simply creating tomorrow youth leaders. Tanisha is an activist in her own right, a writer by nature. She has participated in grant writing, written commercials & podcasts, countless articles, contributing efforts to ample implementations & innovations. With aspirations to expand nationally &  globally, this Queen hopes to change the perspective & lives of many through Business & inspirational writing. She credits women like Debbie Darden, Kina McFadden, Dr. Karen crozier & Men like Dr. Kehinde, Rev. Floyd Harris & her uncle Roger Brown, for demonstrating what spreading magic for generations to come is to look like & she plans to merely do the same.

Matthew 9:37 “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few”

If you would like to meet or celebrate with Keshia Thomas, we are thrilled to invite you to celebrate with us at our All Black Affair - Black Magical Award event on February 29th @ Smugglers Banquet Hall at 7pm.

Purchase Tickets here
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-black-affair-bmw-awards-tickets-92581893937