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We honor Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister who advocated the use of nonviolent means to end racial segregation. He came to national prominence during a 1955 bus boycott by African Americans in Montgomery, Alabama. He founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957 and led the 1963 March on Washington. MLK Jr. stands as one of the most influential African American civil rights leaders during the 1960s. He was instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination in public accommodations, facilities, and employment, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1964; he was tragically assassinated on April 4, 1968.
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Join us!MONDAY, JAN 20th 2025
9AM | PEACE WALK Levi Leonard Elementary School | 401 S 3rd St Join us for a meaningful reflection on the legacy of MLK Jr. Pastor Matthew Poock (from St. John’s Lutheran Church) will be your guide on a thoughtful walkthrough Levi Leonard Elementary School & TRIS. Meet at Levi Leonard front office at 9am. This serene event will focus on key concepts of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy & Unity in the Community. Join us for a mindful, moving and positive start to this important day. 11AM | LUNCH & SIGN MAKING Creekside Place | 102 Maple St Please RSVP for this event: Call/text (608)882-0407 or email: [email protected] Join us for a free community lunch (lasagna & salad) while learning more about MLK Jr’s hopes for diversity, equity and inclusion. After sharing a meal, join in a celebratory sign-making project focused on the idea of Unity (hosted by Barb Dorn). If able, please bring along a non-perishable food item, or warm winter clothing item. We will distribute these donations to our Evansville neighbors as an act of service in honor of MLK Jr. RSVP HERE - Count me in! 6PM | SPEAKER EVENT ECSD High School | 640 S 5th St Please RSVP for this event: Email: [email protected] Our community was moved by stories shared by Officer O’Malley Lomax and Youth Leader Aza Muzowera last year. We are honored to present a speaker panel from Black Women in Business Beloit for 2025. Topics will include systemic racism, micro aggressions and barriers people of color face. We’ll learn about these challenges & learn tools that encourage diversity, equity and inclusion. Join us for this courageous conversation. (Enjoy refreshments and a light meal from Subway at the event.) RSVP HERE - Count me in! |
Black Women in Business Beloit Featured Speakers
Paquita Purnell
CEO, Blessed Divine Creations, LLC & PLP Consulting, LLC blesseddivinecreations.com Paquita Purnell is a proud native of Syracuse, NY. As a survivor of domestic violence and depression, Paquita has transformed her life’s challenges into a platform for empowerment and inspiration. Through her businesses, she combines creativity and strategic expertise to uplift others, while passionately advocating for resilience, faith, and entrepreneurship. Her journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of purpose-driven leadership. She is the mother of three beautiful children. Blessed Divine Creations LLC offers custom gift baskets, mason jar gifts, fragrance body oils for men and women, whipped body butter, soaps, hand sanitizer lotion, candles, incense, tutu couture, custom apparel, devotional books, and accessories. We also specialize in event planning and decor for weddings, receptions, baby showers, and parties. Gifts, Baskets, and More Created Just For You. PLP Consulting LLC is a catalyst for small businesses, providing comprehensive support in content creation, bookings, and beyond. Our mission is to empower entrepreneurs by crafting compelling and targeted content that resonates with their audience, enhances brand visibility, and drives engagement. Additionally, we strive to streamline business operations by offering efficient booking solutions, allowing small businesses to focus on what they do best. At PLP Consulting, our commitment extends beyond traditional consulting—we aim to be a trusted partner, leveraging our expertise to simplify complex processes and amplify the online presence of small businesses. Through tailored content strategies and seamless booking systems, we aspire to help our clients establish a strong and lasting connection with their customers. Our purpose is to contribute to the growth and success of small businesses by providing them with the tools and support needed to thrive in the digital era. |
Roshelle Sims Lumpkins
Owner, 21 Roses facebook.com/21RosesByKeilannaRose Roshelle is an entrepreneur and a higher education professional. She is the founder and owner of 21 Roses by Keilanna Rose and the Associate Manager of Student Accounts at Beloit College. She is a dedicated wife and mom of 3 amazing children. She has earned 3 degrees: a BBA, MSC, and an MBA. She is interested in expanding her entrepreneurship to include the addition of a nonprofit arm focused on helping parents who have children with disabilities. She is a parent of a special needs child and sees the need in our community. 21 Roses by Keilanna Rose is a small business based in Machesney Park, IL. 21 Roses by Keilanna Rose was founded February of 2017, 1 year after the birth of my daughter, Keilanna Rose. She was born with 3 copies of chromosome 21, Hence the 3 arrows and 21 in the name of our business. Of course Rose is her middle name. What does the business 21 Roses By Keilanna Rose do? I started as a custom apparel business that grew into more than just custom apparel. I still do custom apparel, chips, blankets and so much more but my vision grew. 21 Roses by Keilanna Rose: Where Healing Meets Growth As a business strategist, I'm captivated by my two incredible visions for 21 Roses By Keilanna Rose. I’ve created a space where personal transformation and entrepreneurial empowerment beautifully intertwine. Vision 1: Healing Through Journals: 🌟"Handcrafted with Heart": I have showcased the unique, personal touch behind my journals. I am passionate about helping others heal through the written word, while on my own personal journey. 🌟Build a Healing Community: I have created a safe online space for journalists to share their experiences, offer support, and find strength in each other. Please join the healing community Affirming Yourself Through Healing. 🌟Partner with Healers: I want to collaborate with therapists, wellness coaches, or spiritual guides to reach a wider audience seeking healing through journaling. Vision 2: Empowering Small Businesses: 🌟Focus on Problem-Solving: I have positioned my marketing materials as solutions to specific business challenges, like branding, customer engagement, or streamlining processes. 🌟"Done-for-You" Services: I provide custom design products, taking the pressure off busy entrepreneurs. 🌟Collaborate with Business Small Business Owners: Partner with small business owners and organizations to make sure they have all their marketing need so thrive in the digital era. |
Adriana Sanders
Director, Doris Wiles Center of Hope centerofhopebeloit.wixsite.com Adriana Sanders is a passionate leader at the Doris Wiles Center of Hope, a youth mentorship program founded in 2008 by Doris Wiles. Committed to continuing Lady Wiles legacy, Adriana works to inspire and guide young people, providing mentorship and resources to help them navigate challenges and achieve their goals. Through her dedication, the center remains a cornerstone of hope and empowerment for youth in the community. The journey of the Center began in the summer of 2008, guided by the vision of the remarkable Doris A. Wiles. Initially conceived as Vacation Bible School, the Center of Hope quickly evolved into something beyond imagination, with a dedicated staff and an array of impactful programs. Under Doris's leadership, the Center of Hope transitioned from Vacation Bible School to a fully active youth center nestled within New Life Ministries. This space became a hub for empowerment, offering computers for academic or social activities, video games, a relaxing lounge area, and an outdoor basketball court. The initial chapter of Center of Hope concluded in 2012 when 1st Lady Wiles relocated to Dallas, TX. In 2015, the Center of Hope reemerged under new leadership, with a renewed commitment to being a source of light in a challenging period. Witnessing the devastating impact of gun violence on the youth in our community, the Center of Hope took on the mission to restore hope. Initiatives like community walks and events at Summit Park became powerful tools in reclaiming our neighborhood. The pinnacle of our efforts came in August 2015 with "Operation Our Community," a significant community event hosted at Summit Park where 200 inner-city youths were blessed with backpacks. The years 2015-16 were marked by the impactful presence of the Center of Hope in our community. Though circumstances led to a temporary hiatus, the spirit of the Center of Hope persisted. In April 2018, my husband and I returned to Wisconsin, finding ourselves drawn back to our roots. We started small by collaborating with the School District of Beloit to feed local community children. What began as a modest initiative soon grew, with the Center of Hope breathing life again by the end of the summer, feeding 40 to 50 kids a day. Reflecting on the journey, I believe 1st Lady Wiles would take pride in seeing her vision endure. Her heart for children continues to inspire us, and if given the chance, I imagine her smiling and encouraging us to persist in being the individuals that God has called us to be. Our commitment remains unwavering – to bring hope back to the center of our community, one positive initiative at a time. |
A look at our MLK JR Celebration from JANUARY 2024
