Black Lion Strategies

We are proud to support our friends at United Way of Massachusetts Bay — a Black Lion Strategies client — as they convene their 124 grantee organizations from across Eastern Massachusetts in a weekly series on the impacts of federal policy changes. Today’s discussion featured United States Representative Ayanna Pressley (MA-07). We look forward to these ongoing conversations with elected officials at all levels of government, as well as business, nonprofit, and legal leaders in Massachusetts and beyond in the weeks ahead. Onward!

Black Lion Strategies is proud to be a member of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the largest business association in our Commonwealth. At a time when diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility face mounting challenges nationwide, business leaders must double down on their commitment to ensuring equitable opportunities for all. Progress is not inevitable—it requires intentional action. We’re grateful to AIM for this enduring commitment and remain steadfast in our shared mission to build a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Black Lion Strategies is honored to support our client — United Way of Massachusetts Bay — in producing a new weekly series for its 124 grantees across Eastern Massachusetts: “Massachusetts’ Response to Federal Impacts on Communities.” This forum will provide a real-time platform for sharing resources and information. Thank you to United States Representative Jake Auchincloss (MA-04) for joining us as the featured speaker for our inaugural call. We look forward to ongoing conversations with elected officials at all levels of government, as well as business, nonprofit, and legal leaders in Massachusetts and beyond in the weeks ahead. Onward!

Celebrating the many extraordinary aspects of Black History in the USA. Learning about great Black-owned businesses and making them part of our networks and patterns of activity is a tangible step. Here are some businesses I rely on for personal and business (add your biz or favorites in the comments!) ??? Talley & Twine Watch Company, Inc. - Many styles including the Red Tails! ?? Hillside Harvest HOT SAUCE - hot or mild all amazing ?? Logwood Company, LLC (Ivyees Everything Honey) eat or hair, skin, teeth ?? BROWN | Napa Valley | Napa Valley Wines - try Duppy Conqueror! ?? McBride Sisters Wine Company - offering more delicious wines Yum ?? Uncle Nearest, Inc. Premium Whiskey - Real TN Whiskey - So Good! ??? Lyndigo Spice, Llc - providing spice rubs and chutneys - for chefs! ?? Sweet Teez Bakery - known for cupcakes, cakes, and pies - the best! ?? Craig Bailey's Perspective Photo - headshots, projects, corporate, events ?? Ujamaa Lighting - LED bulbs & systems - consumers, corporate, wholesale ???? Fulton Street Books & Coffee - In Tulsa or online for any kind of book ?? GISELLE'S FLOWERS & GIFTS - premium quality - bouquet or wedding ?? Uniglobe Travel Designers - corporate travel partner ?? DREAM Collaborative, LLC - architects ?? Windwalker Group - Security services (cyber or on-site) ?? White Lion Brewing Company - what more can I say? It's really good. ??? ?? City Sealcoating, Inc.- Asphalt Service - parking lots, garages, roads ??? Black Lion Strategies - public affairs and strategy for impact Let's continue to celebrate and support these amazing Black-owned businesses! #BlackHistory #SupportBlackBusinesses

Congratulations to United Way of Massachusetts Bay — a Black Lion Strategies client — for appointing Marty Martinez to serve as the next President and Chief Executive Officer. Marty will lead UWMB’s work to eradicate the conditions that lead to poverty and improve the financial wellbeing of individuals and families across the region. We are proud to work with UWMB to advance their public policy agenda on Beacon Hill and beyond. https://lnkd.in/ekZGqGJD

The Coalition, represented by our CEO Ruth Zakarin, was honored to receive the Good Troublemaker of the Year Award from Black Lion Strategies on Friday, along with our fellow awardees Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and MA Rep. Marjorie Decker. We are so grateful to Black Lion Strategies for this recognition, and to our Coalition community for making our work possible. Everyday, the Coalition is motivated by the words of the late Rep. John Lewis: "Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble." Now more than ever, we are called to make "good, necessary trouble" at the state and local levels to solve the public health crisis that is gun violence in this country. And our Coalition community is committed to making "good trouble" here in Massachusetts. Together, we will fight for a world where every person in every zip code is free from the threat and trauma of gun violence. Photos: Keiko Hiromi/Black Lion Strategies

?? Cheers to 2025 and three incredible years of Black Lion Strategies! We were honored to celebrate this milestone with over 120 friends, clients, and partners. Congratulations to our 2024 Good Troublemaker of the Year awardees: Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Massachusetts State Representative Marjorie Decker, and Ruth Zakarin and Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence! The world needs more of your unwavering dedication to social justice, economic opportunity, and getting in good trouble. At Black Lion Strategies, we’re on a mission to help better the world by providing our clients with the strategy, tools, and capacity to do good and do well. Ready to amplify your voice, expand your influence, and drive change in 2025? Let’s connect and make it happen together. Photos: Keiko Hiromi #goodtrouble #publicaffairs #socialimpact #changemakers

We at Black Lion Strategies are honored to host our friend and partner in #goodtrouble, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, for a working visit to Massachusetts. His trip included a meeting with his longtime friend and former fellow attorney general, Governor Maura Healey. Collaborations like these remind us of the power of public service and the importance of strong leadership. Photos: Josh?Qualls, Office of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey #mapoli #publicservice #publicaffairs #socialimpact

Please join our client Roxbury Community College next week as it launches the Business Innovation Center! We are proud to have worked with the College to develop this new hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.

?????? Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, we’re grateful for the partnerships and purpose that shaped the past year. Thank you to our incredible clients, friends, and partners – we're excited to make this year even more transformative! If you're looking to elevate your voice, expand your influence, and drive meaningful change in 2025, we’d love to partner with you – let’s connect! #socialimpact #publicaffairs #goodtrouble