Sister Spokesman Opens 2026 With “Stronger Together” Gathering Focused on Community and Philanthropy
Sister Spokesman launched 2026 with its “Stronger Together” gathering at NorthPoint Conference Center, bringing women together for connection, learning, and conversation around philanthropy, trust, and collective impact in Black communities.
On the third day of the new year, winter held steady outside the NorthPoint Conference Center. Temperatures hovered in the low 20s, and gray skies pressed down on mostly bare sidewalks.
Inside, the season didn’t stand a chance.
On the fifth floor, voices filled a large conference room as women greeted one another, pulled chairs closer, and shared conversation across vendor tables. Plates and napkins moved from hand to hand.
The quiet that often follows the holidays gave way to laughter, greetings and recognition as Sister Spokesman opened its first gathering of 2026 under the theme “Stronger Together.” For many in attendance, the phrase was more than a slogan.
“I’m here representing my sister, who’s currently ill, representing myself, my mother and my granddaughters,” said Val Huff, who attended the Jan. 3 gathering by both invitation and conviction. “The importance of rallying around each other, supporting Black businesses, supporting our culture and preserving our history through generations, that’s why I’m here.”
Sandra Freeman, a longtime attendee, said Sister Spokesman has long been a space where connection and learning intersect. Even when the theme doesn’t immediately draw her in, she shows up.
“Every time I hear of a theme and I can go, I come anyway, because I support it,” Freeman said. “Then I found it was so interesting. What brings me here is sisters, support and learning. It’s us coming together and maintaining that sense of connectedness.”
Maria Johnson attended this time as a birthday treat after being invited by a friend. She said the reason she continues to return hasn’t changed.
“I come because of the community,” Johnson said. “To learn, to support vendors, and to support our community.” That mix of celebration and purpose has become a hallmark of Sister Spokesman gatherings.
Tracey Williams-Dillard, publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder and the event’s moderator, guided the program with ease, greeting newcomers, encouraging participation, and using games and giveaways to create a welcoming atmosphere. As the room warmed, she shifted the focus from fellowship to intention.
The featured panel centered on philanthropy, examining how community organizations are funded, how partnerships are built, and how Black communities can be more strategic about sustaining their institutions. Williams-Dillard emphasized that support requires planning and accountability, not assumption.
Panelist Cynthia Johnson-Hill, co-founder of the Minnesota Chill Foundation, spoke about creating pathways for young people through education and workforce development.
“Education is the key,” Johnson-Hill said. “And it’s not just an outcome for that moment in time. It’s an outcome for generations to come.”
She described the foundation’s Chill Tech program, which helps participants enter technology careers as job requirements shift toward certifications rather than four-year degrees. The program also offers college readiness support, stipends, equipment and coaching.
“There are too many jobs out there where you can make a livable wage from the very beginning,” Johnson-Hill said. “We’re ready for that challenge in 2026. Workforce development is our specialty.”
Clarence Jones, executive director and community health strategist with the UN Partnership, focused on trust and collaboration. He said community participation depends on whether people believe organizations will follow through.
“Usually what happens is the community has a narrative, but not the data,” Jones said. His organization works to pair lived experience with research by connecting residents with statisticians, researchers, and government officials.
“It just takes time for people to believe that you’ll do what you say you want to do,” Jones said, calling trust the true currency of community work.
As winter lingered outside, Sister Spokesman offered something warmer inside: a reminder that gathering, learning, and building together remain essential, no matter the season.
Scott Selmer welcomes comments at sselmer@spokesman-recorder.