Keeza was born and raised in Fresno California, she grew up in a pro black household surrounded by positive black images.  She was raised to love herself, her blackness and her african culture.  She is driven to instill the self-love and self confidence that she grew up having in the Black African youth today. She strives to implement into our youth to look in the mirror and see their beauty; to see the beauty in being black. 

She is one of four owners of an African Centered School called Sankofa School Central California L.L.C. whose mission is to provide an african centered viewpoint in all aspects of life. 

She is also one of the coordinators for Fresno Community Kwanzaa Celebration.  She was raised celebrating Kwanzaa; an African American holiday built on seven principles pf upliftment of the Black Community.  She is inspired to uplift her African American Culture in celebrating ourselves to the fullest by keeping our holiday alive and teaching our youth the truth about their African History.

If you would like to meet and celebrate with Keeza McCoy, 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...

Shalita is today’s BMW because she has broken down glass ceilings and triumphed all limitations and challenges laid before her. As of Today, February 14th, 2020 she is a mother of five wonderful children by birth, six by love, married to her husband for 16 years, and is a Vice Principal at Bullard High School. Accomplishments, so grand that many ask her, “how do you do it all?” Shalita explains that her drive and philosophy in life and education stems from her upbringing and early experiences in education, sports and mentorship.

Shalita was born to teenage parents in Redlined Fresno’s Southwest community in 1979. After early exposure to gangs, drugs, and impoverished conditions, it was her young Mother’s desire to emphasize Education as an only means of survival. Her Mother, Elizabeth, having only recently migrated from the infamous Southside of Chicago to Fresno, knew that by promoting School and participation in sports and activities would be her children’s “way out” to success. These ideals quickly became Shalita’s passions. Shalita, a self-proclaimed “Lover of Learning” was soon recognized as a Gifted student and although now situated on Fresno’s Southeast side near the Big Fresno Fair, by 4th grade she was placed in G.A.T.E. classes and eventually was bused to Edison-Computech Middle and High School as part of Magnet program. This experience became a pivotal turning point for Shalita.

Shalita experienced and witnessed huge discrepancies in opportunities and access in education between her “neighborhood” friends/basketball teammates and Magnet program peers. Shalita, having experienced being part of both backgrounds, was unsettled about what she witnessed and began to develop the skill, will and desire to change that narrative for students that were adversely affected by these differences.

After graduating from Edison High School is 1998, Shalita continued her education at Reedley College and received her AA Degree and a full basketball Division 1 Scholarship to North Carolina A&T University, an HBCU in 2000. After suffering a medical injury from basketball, she returned home to Fresno, married her Husband on Valentine’s day in 2004 and obtained her BS in Business Administration from CSU, Fresno in 2005. Later that year, Shalita, a lover of school and especially math began her career in education as an intern math teacher at West Fresno Middle School. With her Husband, Eric Herod, Sr., a new home and three children on her hip at the time, sons Eric, Jr. and Tyric Herod and only daughter Sanai Herod, Shalita then earned her MA in Education, with an emphasis in Cross Cultural Studies in 2009 along with her Preliminary Teaching Credential in Business with a Math Authorization. Also, in the 2008-2009 academic year, she transitioned her career as a full-time Math Teacher (Algebra 1) and Co-Head girls varsity basketball coach at her Alma Mater Edison High School. There she would teach in the classroom for six years as a math teacher, coach for three years, pilot and grow a successful Women’s Alliance Program in 2011-2013, while welcoming her fourth child, son Kendric Herod in 2012. She eventually moved out of the classroom as a Teacher on Special Assignment and functioned as Site Instructional Support for Freshman Math and English teams in 2014-2018. Shalita also earned her Administrative Credential in 2014, she delivered her 5th child, son Deitric Herod in 2015. Soon after in 2016, Shalita and Eric, Sr. also welcome their “Bonus” and 6th son James Walker into their home for the next 3 years. Shalita was then offered a position at Bullard High School in 2018-19 Academic year.

Although emotionally difficult leaving her roots at Edison High School, a place where she was a three-time basketball Valley Champion and Junior League Senior-Girl Athlete of the year, where she loved serving students in the community from whence she came; Shalita learned to embrace the placement at Bullard High School as an administrator after quickly realizing her true purpose. Feeling challenged and facing limitations as a Black, female administrator on the more affluent side of Redlined Fresno, Shalita has learned to embrace those challenges and stand against them. Shalita realized that the need for advocacy amongst the minority demographics was/is at high demand while historic and systemic ideals regarding race and opportunity is slowly, yet positively transitioning in Fresno and particularly at Bullard High. Still at a site where political and racial attention is prominent, Shalita being a parent and a team member chooses the do more and say less approach to begin to find solutions. Shalita has created campus groups like, United Black Men, Group. and S.O.U.L. of the Knights (Steppers) in order to increase engagement of Black students and help to create for them a voice, a sense of belonging and connectedness.

Shalita is working closely with students, parents, and other stakeholders to examine and possibly create new systems and structures that impact opportunities for minority children. As said, Shalita has helped to revive the African American Parent Advisory Committee and BSU at Bullard, she has piloted and manages a thriving African American Acceleration Program (A4) at Bullard. Additionally, at Bullard High School, Shalita is the supervisor over Mathematics and PE Departments, Athletics, the Site’s Testing Coordinator and much more. Shalita is the Sites only Black Administrator and (possibly) the site’s first Black, female administrator. Shalita wears many hats in life, has run businesses, and received awards like AFRO (Aspiring Female Reaching Others) Award in 2014 and created, coached, and has ran community organizations and AAU basketball Teams in order to create opportunities for kids through education and sports, like she experienced. All of which she is proud and has had success, yet none of which she boasts.

What makes Shalita the proudest and continues to drive her passions are seeing her students and her own children flourish. Being the first to earn a College degree in her family, she is hopeful to have created college completion as a minimum expectation, the standard foundational goal for generations that succeed her. Her firstborn, Eric Jr. a Bullard Senior, just applied to Columbia, Harvard, Princeton, UCLA and Howard Universities to name a few. Her son James, a Bullard Junior, continues to maintain above a 3.3 G.P.A. Her son Tyric Herod, a Bullard Sophomore is an outstanding Varsity basketball starting leader. Her daughter Sanai (6th grade) is a Straight A Student-Athlete and little ones Kendric (2nd grade) and Deitric (Pre-School) enjoys learning and sports. All indications that her passion for education and sports/engagement is thriving in others she directly impacts. What Shalita feels makes her the most magical is she is able to create and provide platforms for students, take the mic and a stand both literally and figuratively and manage it all with positivity. So to the question, “how do you do it all?”, she simply replies, “I just do. It’s what’s best for kids.”

If you would like to meet and celebrate with Shalita Herod, 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-92581893937?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&fbclid=IwAR2PZzYPxZ9oEcBNWaKpvnxa2KhGHZvFVrRCBvhB-sVzagWW38OE4nwvks8

A young and driven jewel to the city of Fresno stands Inez Hill. Born and raised in Southwest
Fresno, Inez has overcome many obstacles and challenges of her childhood that has driven her
passion to serve others. Inez has been a powerful youth leader and mentor to over hundreds of
youth in Fresno for over 5 years and by only being 21 years old the impact that she has created
is outstanding.

Inez is a 4th year Psychology student at California State University, Fresno while also minoring in
Public Health. Her career goal is to become a counselor or therapist to at risk youth. The
beginning of her success is starting now as she does a lot of community service throughout
Fresno. Inez serves as a student leader with the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community
Engagement and Service-Learning on the campus of Fresno State. Within the program she is a
member of the SERVE (Service Experience with Richter Volunteer Events) committee where she
dedicates her time to help plan, coordinate and implement service activities for three major
national and local days of service. Inez shows great leadership, and overall what it’s like to be a
servant to others with a pure heart.

Outside of her education life, Inez does a tremendous amount of work in her very own
community in Southwest Fresno. She has been an active volunteer with many organizations
such as the Community Food bank, Habitat for Humanity, Sierra Foothill Conservancy, Fresno
Unified Mentoring Program, Art of Life, and Shinzen Gardens. Under the leadership of Pastor
David (DJ) Criner, Inez serves as the youth leader through dance and mentor ship at Saint Rest
Baptist Church. She also serves on the board of The Saint Rest Plaza on Elm street as the
volunteer and kids activities coordinator. She recently co-directed the LIFT Conference at
Fresno State that brought together student leaders throughout California to foster the
development of the pillars of LIFT which are Leadership, Innovation, Fellowship, and
Transformation. She also was awarded as the 2019 Newman Civic Fellow and she recently just
received the John D. Welty Award for Excellence in Community Service for 2020.

This is just the beginning of her magical journey. In February of 2019, Inez was crowned as Miss
Black Fresno 2019 in which she exemplified black excellence through beauty. Being a part of a
beautiful network of women who are African American inspired her to be even more bold and
accepting of herself. She hopes to continue spreading her black magic throughout Fresno and
around the world.

If you would like to meet and celebrate with Inez Hill, 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-92581893937?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Mrs. Garbralle Conroe was born and raised in Fresno Ca. Throughout life, she understood the importance of obtaining an education which resulted in obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and a Master’s of science degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from California State University, Fresno. For the past 7 years she has been teaching graduate courses at California State University, Fresno.

In addition to providing Professional Development, Cultural Competence and diversity, trainings through her consulting business Educate, Empower, Lead. In 2012 Mrs. Conroe received Business of the Year Award from Resources for Independence Central Valley. She was recognized for her outstanding work in her community by helping individuals with disabilities obtain jobs. In 2015 she was awarded the community service award from Fresno City College for her exceptional contributions with Fresno City College students. Mrs. Conroe was awarded the 2017 40 under 40 award which recognizes individuals under the age of 40 for their contributions and, achievements. In addition Mrs. Conroe was the keynote speaker for the 2018 Girls World Expo, and received the 2018 Spotlight on Success award from Pivot Sacramento for her exceptional leadership that lights the path for others.

Mrs. Conroe has facilitated several professional development sessions at Fresno City College Institutional, Development, for Equity, Access and Success Summit titled “Bridging the Gap between Privileged & Adversity, and Fresno County Housing Authority titled What Is Your Why”. In 2019 Mrs. Conroe was featured on Valley PBS Young, Gifted, and Black where she shared her motivational journey of how she overcame barriers, and stigmas growing up in South West Fresno. Mrs. Conroe proposal was selected, and she participated as a presenter at the 2019 National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns in Atlanta where she focused on Cultural Competence in Counseling as well as received the 2019 Exceptional Women of Color award for excellence in education and research.

Mrs. Conroe has a passion for inspiring youth, and giving back to her community. She currently engages in motivational speaking, and professional development events throughout the Central Valley as well as in Northern California. Additionally, Mrs. Conroe mentors numerous students, and volunteer’s her time speaking at different high schools, and community events about self-worth, making smart choices, leadership, and the importance of education. Mrs. Conroe has co-authored a manuscript on the use of service-learning in building cultural competence among counseling trainees. She thrives on the model “each one teach one”

If you would like to meet and celebrate with Garbralle Conroe, 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...

Dr. Lopez was born in Lemoore, CA and has lived most of her life in the Central Valley. She says that the greatest joy in her life is her family. She has been happily married for 20 years to her best friend, Carlos Lopez. Together, they have two beautiful children Tyrell and Amaya. Dr. Lopez also states that the love and support of her family is the foundation which she can engage in meaningful community work.

Dr. Lopez is passionate about advocating for foster and homeless youth because of her personal experience. She is a former foster youth and was homeless when she started community college. She knows first-hand the barriers these youth experience and has committed her career to improving systems for disadvantaged youth. As a Christian, Isaiah 1:17 guides her advocacy: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

Dr. Kizzy Lopez is a professor, researcher, and advocate. She has worked in higher education for 12 years in academic and student affairs as a champion for educational equity for underserved students, particularly those who have experienced foster care or homelessness. Dr. Lopez is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in Social Work at Fresno Pacific University.

As a practitioner, Dr. Lopez led the effort to create a campus-based program for foster and homeless youth at Fresno State known as the Renaissance Scholars Program (RSP). This program was designed to increase college access and graduation rates for foster and homeless youth attending the university. Dr. Lopez was the founding coordinator and served in this role for 10 years. During that time, she served over 200 students, developed innovative services and practices that increased student retention and graduation rates. She also represented the CSU system in advocating for statewide policy change for foster youth and homeless youth. 

As a scholar, Dr. Lopez is a national speaker on educational equity, foster care, and race. She is a TEDx speaker on the topic, The Trauma of Being Black in Foster Care. She was also featured in a Kleenex video highlighting the experiences of foster and homeless youth moving into the college dorms which have received over 5 million views. Dr. Lopez has co-authored publications focused on strategies to support college-going foster youth, including Transitional-Age Foster Youth: Getting Them Into and Through College and forthcoming Fostering Success: Supporting College-Going Foster Youth on Campus. She has been previously recognized for her contributions and received Fresno’s Heroes Unmasked Award, Outstanding Faculty/Staff Rosa Parks Award, Child Advocacy Award, and Diversity and Social Justice Advocate Award. 

If you would like to meet and celebrate with Dr. Kizzy Lopez, 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-92581893937?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

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

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

In 2012 Helping Others Pursue Excellence was founded.  H.O.P.E. is a 501C3 non-profit vocational training and entrepreneurship program.….

The vision was inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of Laneesha Senegal.  As a low-income mother of five (5), Laneesha experienced firsthand the struggle of barely making ends meet.  Multiple nights without power and heat and even a shortage of food sparked her interest to start a business.

While navigating life’s journey, Laneesha started to encounter daily a growing number of individuals with the same passion to create a business.  However, in the start-up phase they too were met with many of the same poverty challenges.  For some it was the basic understanding of the paperwork needed to operate.  For others it was the challenge to generate funding to develop marketing materials or the technical assistance to access resources.  While they too were struggling to put gas in their car or even more extreme, were homeless, they each shared the dream to launch a business.

While growing her business, the No’s and the business rejections Laneesha encountered is what fueled her drive to help others.  Thus, to remove the barriers preventing other entrepreneurs like Laneesha the opportunity to realize their dreams, she wrote the vision for the Vision View Business Formation Center.  Vision View is now one of the largest and most comprehensive entrepreneurship centers in the central valley.  The motto for Vision View is “Where One’s Vision is Without Limits”

If you would like to meet or celebrate with Laneesha Senegal, 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

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...

KOBE BRYANT’S PUBLIC MEMORIAL IS SET FOR FEB. 24 AT STAPLES CENTER IN LA

*Finally we have news on when the public memorial for Kobe Bryant will be held. Monday, February 24 is the date and the location is Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles.

The memorial will honor Bryant and eight others who were killed last month in a helicopter crash, two sources familiar with the event informed the LA Times on Thursday.

The event will cap weeks of tributes across the city following the Jan. 26 crash that killed the Lakers icon, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, as well as parents, coaches and players on Bryant’s Mamba Academy basketball team.

In the aftermath of the crash, fans and the public at large gathered at L.A. Live and Staples Center — where the Lakers star player became a basketball legend — to grieve.  On top of that, fans from around the world have also trekked to the crash site in Calabasas to pay their respects. On Friday (01-31-20) before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Lakers put on an emotional tribute at Staples Center led by LeBron James.

It was last week that Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said a memorial was in the works.

“I think one message that I would say is this is not just about a man who was a basketball player, this is about a father, this is about a leader, this is about a filmmaker, this is about an artist, this is about somebody who was so much more than just how he was on the court,” he told reporters.

“It’s a reminder how much unity we have, though. We are one city that believes in each other, believes in something bigger than ourselves and we will absolutely do everything to make sure that this is done so that everybody can come to it as well.”

A cording to the LA Times report, planning for the massive event is underway. Staples Center is no stranger to these kinds of massive events. The venue previously hosted memorials for  Michael Jackson and Nipsey Hussle.

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...

Viva McCray Straughter Moved to Fremont Ca in 1980 where she started her 31 year career with AT&T. Viva moved back to Fresno in 1992 and retired in 2012. Fremont, Ca. Viva has an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for helping others in her community.

Upon moving back to Fresno, she started A Fashion Show Business “Simply Haute
Productions” producing 10 annual Fashion and Hair Shows from 1992-2002.

Founder of Christian Valley Pageants as of 2017, and Executive Producer of the Miss Black Fresno Pageant. MISS BLACK FRESNO PAGEANT is a platform that showcases beautiful black girl talent in a positive and glamorous fashionable way. Her upcoming Miss Black Fresno 2020 Pageant is scheduled for Feb 22, at Fresno High School Royce Hall at 3pm. Her overall goal is to Empower, Embrace, Inspire and Celebrate young beautiful black people. The winner of Miss Black Fresno receives scholarship money to help with their education. Viva plans on launching a Mr. Black Fresno in 2021.

In addition to helping the community Viva has been very vocal in teaching the community about generation wealth, and how important it is to leave a legacy.

She is an advocate for many causes in her community. Viva has organizational memberships with (FMBCC) Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce, (BWOPA) Black Women Organized
For Political Action, (BAPAC) Black American Political Association of California, (NAACP)
National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People. Viva is also Co-Founder and
Vice President of Black Leaders Organizing Change (BLOC). She also serves as an
Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Association advocacy public policy.

If you would like to meet or celebrate with Viva Straughter, 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...

Janice Sumler was born and raised in Fresno, CA attending Lincoln Elementary, Irwin, Jr High and graduating from Edison High School —Class of 1976. After graduating from Edison, Janice attended Fresno City College, transferring to Fresno State University majoring in Business Administration and Accounting.

Janice later became employed at the Dept. of Social Services in Eligibility/Out Reach Services and retired July, 2015 after 25 years of service.

Currently, Janice has continued in outreach services as Co-Founder of the Take A Stand Committee (2010). Take A Stand was created as an advocacy non-profit serving at-risk youth, engaging and implementing mentoring programs. Take A Stand hosts an annual Teen Summit for the youth entitled “Choices and Consequences”. Take A Stand also conducts monthly meetings engaging the community and providing many resources.

Janice is also the Director-Coordinator of the Fresno Juneteenth Committee organizing the annual celebration honoring the historical ending of slavery with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation with over 5000 community residents attending.

This Year Juneteenth  >>>>>

Janice is an active member of the West Fresno Democratic Club, The Friends of Allensworth. She also serves on the Advisory Board of Fresno County Pre-Term Birth Initiative Committee. Janice is extremely passionate and steadfastly committed to our community. She is the proud mother of two beautiful daughters, Jessica and Shurron.

If you would like to meet or celebrate with Janice Sumler, 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

If you haven't heard by now A Taste of Soul is coming to Fresno as Adrian Harris, CEO of FresnoVibe begins the planning process of what can be one of the biggest festival in the central Valley. 

Fresno's Taste of Soul is an event that highlights the aroma of traditional soul food cooking in the air while bringing together families and friends in an outdoor/indoor setting for a day of reunion, information and live entertainment.

The purpose of the Taste of Soul is to highlight and bring awareness to local own Restaurants and businesses in the Fresno area, also creating a platform for Adults and Students so they can come and retrieve life changing knowledge as it relates to Health & Wellness, Technology, Family Intervention, Financial Literacy, Professional Career Building and Workforce development.

The festival provides complimentary vending space to those professionals who have an interest in providing complimentary service and or information in any of the above mention categories.

FresnoVibe Presents

Fresno's Taste of Soul
@Vision View Business Formation Center

4974 East Clinton Way (Airport District)

$5 Admission Free For Kids

For More Questions Call
Call 559.905.3089 or email FresnoWallStreet@gmail.com

PROVIDING THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO
- BY FRESNOVIBE

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This Year we will be Featuring some of Fresno Top Soul Food Vendors:
Doll's Kitchen
Tha Soul Chefs
Fresno Gumbo House
Geneack Grilling & Catering

FresnoVibe will only be working with a select few vendors for this upcoming Taste of Soul and 2020 Festivals.

Interested Vendors Contact us ASAP. As we are locking in all Festivals and vendors for 2020. (559-905-3089)

Interested Vendors Click Here

In a recent article posted by CNBC, Fresno was listed as one of the worst places to start a business. After launching the Vibe Soul Lounge on February 2nd the CEO Adrian Harris knew he had his hands tied to ensure the overall success of the Lounge.

In a recent interview Adrian Harris stated,  “Fresno is a gold mine you actually have to live here to know what industries to go into, these analyst and critics that say Fresno is the worst place to start a business are just looking at statistics and numbers on a paper. To know Fresno you first have to Love it.”

Sources say the Vibe Soul Lounge has the potential to be one of the Greatest places to visit in the Central Valley as the CEO Adrian Harris is already making plans to take it to another level with the help of Kocky’s owners Mike & James.

To everyone’s surprise, after all the backlash during the launch of the Vibe Soul Lounge the event has had great numbers consistently for the past five weeks. Every Saturday after the grand opening people have been turned away at the door because the event has reached capacity. The crowd has been pretty diverse every week and a lot of the supporters have become regulars.

The Vibe Soul Lounge is a place where you can sit and have a delicious dinner, listen to some of your favorite R&B and Neo Soul music from our Lovely hostess Chera the CoCo Goddess, enjoy a cocktail, have good conversation, and maybe even dance.

Every week Vibe has come up with special themes for the event such as; 90’s edition, Tribute to Nina Simone and a Love Jones Tribute. People are really excited about what Vibe is doing for the mature crowd and look forward to attending event every weekend. Attendees are encouraged to reserve a table in advance and to come early as the door closes early due to capacity.

To view All Pics Click Here 

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Get ready for next week Vibe Soul Lounge - Soul Line Dancing