BLACK HISTORY MONTH: BUILDING OUR OWN TABLE NETWORKING MIXER

We're building tables, not asking for seats as we celebrate Black History Month. Real power. Real community. Real change. Join Us on Feb. 15

Building Our Own Tables: Black History Month Networking Mixer

About This Event

Join Black entrepreneurs, professionals, advocates, and community at large for this Black History Month for an evening of meaningful connection, economic empowerment, and community building.As corporate diversity efforts face challenges and authentic inclusion becomes increasingly difficult, we're taking a different approach: building independent economic infrastructure, forging genuine partnerships, and investing in each other's success at the local level.

Honoring the 100-year legacy of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, we gather to continue the vital work of organizing, building wealth, and creating opportunities within our community.

Friday, February 20, 2026

🕕 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM PST

📍 Connect 2 Rise Inc, 2594 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107

Admission

Your investment reflects your commitment to showing up—for your growth and for our community's collective succes

• Early Bird Special - $8.00 (Save 50%! Sale ends Feb 12, 2026 at 6:30 PM) | 50 available
• General Admission - $16.00 (Sale ends Feb 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM) | 50 available
• Community Care Free Ticket - Free for those who could use financial assistance at this time | 20 available

Vendor Opportunities

• Altadena Business Vendor - FREE table and chair for local Altadena businesses | 8 available
• General Vendor Business Table - $100.00 includes table and chair (Sale ends Feb 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM) | 8 available

Event capacity: 100 attendees💡Save with Early Bird pricing! Tickets purchased by February 12th are 50% off. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, celebrate, and support our community during Black History Month.

Event Schedule

6:00 PM - Welcome Reception & Community Marketplace

Browse Black-owned businesses, enjoy refreshments, and start connecting. Support our vendors and discover partnership opportunities.

6:45 PM - Opening Ceremony: "Still Here, Still Rising"

A powerful acknowledgment of Black History Month, collective resilience, and the importance of building independent economic power.

7:00 PM - Panel Discussion: "Economic Independence Now"

Hear from entrepreneurs, labor organizers, and community leaders who've built sustainable businesses and created opportunities despite systemic barriers.

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Celebration & Networking

Continue building connections with music, refreshments, and opportunities to collaborate through our community action networks.

Three Ways to Support Our Event

Sponsorship Needed

If you would like to sponsor the event, please contact info@connect2rise.org

Call for Speakers - Speakers Wanted!!!

Have an inspiring entrepreneurial journey to share? We'd love to hear from you!📧 Submit your bio and contact information to info@connect2rise.org

Vendors Wanted - Limited Spaces Available

We're seeking 8 Black-owned businesses for our Community Marketplace!

Benefits include:

• Direct access to engaged professionals and community members
• Networking with potential business partners and investors
• Vendor table space
• Feature in event marketing materials

Lasting community relationships

Details:

• Setup: 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM
• Market Hours: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• Seeking Vendors to Showcase or Provide Samples: Fashion, Beauty & Wellness, Art, Books, Technology, Jewelry, Home Goods, Professional Services, and more

📧 Select "Vendor Table Ticket" during registration—free for Altadena Business Owners to participate!

Why Attend

This event is about building sustainable economic infrastructure, creating authentic support systems, investing in the next generation through mentorship, and honoring those who organized before us. When we support each other, we build lasting power.

Event Details

• Capacity: Limited to 100 attendees
• Dress Code: Be Yourself!
• Parking: Free Parking Available
• Refreshments: Food and Beverages Providedf
• What to Bring: Business cards, QR codes, and a warm smile

Questions? Contact info@connect2rise.org#BuildingOurOwnTables #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM2026 #EconomicEmpowerment #BlackEntrepreneurs

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