Making Black History This Month

Happy Black History Month. For the past few years, I have sent physical greeting cards to my professional network for various holidays, including Black History Month. I design each card and write the inscription myself to ensure the message reflects my voice and values.

I was encouraged by the positive response to this year’s Black History Month card. Many recipients reached out to express their appreciation and share how much they enjoyed it. This level of engagement is rare for my mailings, which are usually only acknowledged by my mother (thanks, Mom). I believe there are a few reasons for this:

• Intentionality: The card arrived in recipients’ mailboxes on the first day of February, demonstrating that my team planned ahead. This was a deliberate gesture that clearly communicated my values.

• Authenticity: I wrote the inscription myself, using my own voice to reflect the moment. At the time, my hometown, Minneapolis, was experiencing the ICE siege.

• Integrity: Amplifying underrepresented voices is central to Leverette Weekes’ mission, and I am committed to this work regardless of the political climate.

The response to our Black History Month card was a reminder that visibility with integrity is possible when you’re clear about your values. 

Our card, designed by Announce Divinely, has an inscription below.

Leverette Weekes is committed to amplifying the voices that are usually left out of the conversation. This month, we encourage you to let your voice shine like a bright light in this dark time and to honor each moment of joy that comes your way.

"I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear." - Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks (1913–2005) was a pivotal American civil rights activist known as the "mother of the civil rights movement". An active member of the NAACP, she gained national fame for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus on December 1, 1955, sparking the successful 381-day Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Stay safe and remember, we’re here to help!

Meredith Leigh Moore

In Honor of Black History Month

Mrs. Rosa Parks, 1992

During a team meeting earlier this month, our colleague and Leverette Weekes’ lead writer, Pamela K Johnson, shared her experience of meeting Rosa Parks. With her permission, we’re sharing the story here.

“During a 1992 National Association of Black Journalists convention in Detroit, a colleague, Marcus Jones, found Mrs. Rosa Parks listed in the phone book. We decided to drive over to take a picture in front of her house, when a neighbor suggested we knock on the door, adding, "Mrs. Parks is real nice." The icon's niece invited us in. Mrs. Parks said, "Could I get you some water?" We said we were fine, and then she sat and talked a while, telling us in great detail about the Montgomery Bus Boycott. We took pictures on her porch. This is the one I can find. She had on blue slippers.”

Remembering Rev. Jesse Jackson

Rev. Jesse Jackson next to Meredith Leigh Moore

I got to work with Reverend Jackson during my time with McDonald’s, supporting the Rainbow Push Coalition. My favorite memory was one day in his office when he was resting, and my boss mentioned that I had made an impression on him. I was the most junior person, and the more senior people convinced me. I did it, and as I finished, Reverend opened an eye to say, “Was that supposed to be me?” I was speechless.

I saw him again in New York for the NAACP awards, and he remembered me saying, “She does an impression of me; some people think it's good.”

Cornell Leverette Moore (left), Wenda Weekes Moore (right), Minnesota's Attorney General, Keith Ellison, at the podium

Leverette Weekes' founders, Cornell Leverette Moore and Wenda Weekes Moore, were honored with a lifetime achievement award by the Sanneh Foundation—a past LW client—at its Gala 4 Goals. The award recognizes the Moores’ exceptional contributions to the community and the lasting impact of their work. It was presented by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Congratulations!

Congratulations to our client, McKnight Foundation! Tonya Allen was named Most Admired CEO by the MSP Business Journal for her extraordinary work since joining the Foundation in 2021. Kudos, Tonya!

And check out their new building design featured in this month's issue of Twin Cities Business. What a great team and design story for this important foundation!

Congratulations to our client, author Duchess Harris, on her latest book, Black Feminist Politics From Kennedy To Trump, now available for preorder with 25% off from Waterstones. Use the code FEB26 at checkout.

Words Create Wins

We hosted The Art of the OpEd, our first free webinar, at the end of last month, and it was a success! Participants told us they want to learn about media relations next. What do you want to learn when it comes to media relations? Hit reply to let us know!

Want to Support Minnesotans?

If you are looking for ways to support Minnesotans, please learn more and consider donating to the local organizations below:

The Black Collective Foundation’s MN Lead https://www.minnesotablackcollectivefoundation.org/mnlead

Women’s Foundation of Minnesota Immigrant Response Fund https://www.wfmn.org/funds/immigrant-rapid-response/

Want to receive LW newsletters in your inbox? Sign up here http://eepurl.com/iphy2c