Happy Black History Month!

As we embrace this very special time, I find myself reflecting on a deeply personal journey that intersects with a remarkable chapter of African American media history. My story begins in Detroit, Michigan – a city that has always been a crucible of innovation and resilience.

Between my junior and senior years of college and then after I graduated, I stepped into a world that would change my life forever: WGPR-TV62. This wasn't just any television station – it was a groundbreaking beacon of hope and possibility. Standing for "Where God's Presence Radiates," WGPR made history as the first fully Black-owned and operated television station in the United States, bursting onto the airwaves on September 29th, 1975.

Founded by William Banks, this station was more than a workplace – it was a launchpad for dreams. For me, it was where I discovered my voice. I learned the intricate arts of writing, reporting, editing, and interviewing. The crowning jewel of my time there was my very own talk show, "Strictly Speaking!" Those were magical years, filled with conversations that mattered, stories that needed to be told.

Not too long ago, I was invited back to my hometown for a moment that felt like pure magic – the launch of the WGPR Historical Museum. Imagine walking into the same building where I once worked, now preserved as a testament to Black excellence in media. ABC's Nightline captured this incredible homecoming, interviewing me and my former colleagues who had also been pioneers in their own right.

WGPR wasn't just a station – it was a community, a dream factory that launched the careers of countless journalists and newsmakers. Each time I think about those days, I'm reminded of the incredible power of representation, of creating spaces where our stories can be told authentically and powerfully.

This Black History Month, I invite you to celebrate with us – to recognize the continued achievements of Black Americans, to honor the trailblazers who came before us, and to recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of creating a more inclusive, equitable world.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the MAGNOLIA Monthly!

Shaun

Shaun Robinson

President and Founder

S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls

This Saturday, Feb. 8th at 10:00 am PT, in partnership with Tides, we are hosting a FREE WEBINAR: "Embers of Hope: A Mental Health Talk for Kids & Teens Affected by the California Wildfires."

Join mental health experts and young voices for a meaningful conversation on healing, resilience and finding hope after loss.

If you know a young person—girl or boy—who has been impacted by the Pacific Palisades or Eaton fires, please invite them to register.

We're excited to announce the return of our SHE Leads Conference!

This intimate gathering is a unique opportunity for women leading girl-centered nonprofits to come together in a safe, supportive space. It's a chance to build community, exchange best practices, and spark innovative collaboration. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

Ivy Walker

Serial Entrepreneur, Author & Risk Management Expert

Treasurer, S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls

Good Governance Tips for Non-Profits

Data Safety Behaviors

Cybercrime is big business. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, a New York-based firm focused on cybersecurity research, cybercrime is expected to cost the world more than $10.5 trillion in losses annually by 2025. No organization large or small, for-profit or not-for-profit is immune to these attacks.

While it isn’t unusual these days to read or watch the news and come across stories about cyberattacks on major corporations, rarely reported on are cyberattacks on nonprofit organizations. This dearth of reporting can lead to the perception that nonprofits are not a priority for hackers, but they are.

Healthy Her

The Value of Movement

Turns out that movement is one of the single most important things you can do for your heart. Turns out, it is one of the single most important things you can do for healthy aging. Turns out, it is one of the most important things you can do for longevity. Really? …..Yes, really.

Our bodies were not designed to live and function the way they are being used in our modern society. We move less, and eat more. Digitalization has superseded bodies in motion. In other words, we use to move a lot more and burn a lot more calories, just in the performance and completion of our daily activities, than we do now. We have evolved, with technology making it largely unnecessary to move in order to accomplish tasks. And therein lies the problem.

Jayne Morgan, M.D.

@drjaynemorgan

Cardiologist

Creator of Stairwell Chronicles

V.P. of Medical Affairs, Hello Heart

Advisory Board Member,

S.H.A.U.N. Foundation for Girls

Patrik Henry Bass

Executive Editor,

Amistad Books

Patrik's Pick

There are books that can lift your mood. Others that can make your day. It Begins with You (HarperOne, $28.99) by popular podcast host Jillian Turecki, will soothe your soul. The celebrated life coach's "9 Hard Truths About Love that Will Change Your Life," are relatable no matter your relationship status. From understanding that the mind is a battlefield to knowing that no one is going to save you but yourself, and also overcoming personal trauma to make peace with your parents, this is the ideal Valentine's Day book for a best friend or better yet, for yourself.

Mindfulness Tip:

A Mindful Approach to Navigating Fear

Laura Saltman

Mindfulness, Meditation and Metaphysical Teacher

Breaking Barriers: This Month's Must-Reads

Featured Favorites: Black Women's Voices that Shined at the GRAMMYs