Dr. Sabrina Robins is one of the most influential people of color in the Fox Valley — and in fact, one of the most influential African Americans in Wisconsin. She works as director of operations at TAPFIN, a Manpower Group company, and serves on the board of directors of African Heritage, Inc.
Rank your Top 5 MCs: I am a big fan of old school hip hop. I particularly like the lady MCs. They are so empowering, cool, and relevant. Many of their lyrics have stood the test of time. So I dedicate my top five to the ladies.
- Lauryn Hill – Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. I really don’t have anything else to say. Those who know… know, those you don’t…. better go find out.
- Missy Elliot – Her style was a game changer. Plus a special shout to my fellow big girls. Yes, we can work it!
- MC Lyte – I see her as the first lady MC. Boldly stating who she is and defining herself. She also kept it classy. I used to wear my big hoops and asymmetric bob.
- Queen Latifa- I put her in the edutainment category, not only did she flow effortlessly. She also incorporated black history.
- Lisa Lopez (Left Eye, TLC) – I love how all of her lyrics were a source of empowerment for girls and women. Her skills are still unmatched today
- Bonus: newer to the game, but I am a fan….. Nikki Minaj. She is confident, sexy, and unapologetic.
Which motivates you more: doubters or supporters? Overall, I am internally driven. While supporters do provide positive energy and encouragement, nothing beats that belief in yourself, dreams, and passion. Obtaining the support of others to join in my goal is both a joy and bonus. There have been times when I have gained insights from “constructive criticism” (note – not haters). Listening to that type of feedback helped me to refine a project, tactical approach toward accomplishing a vision or goal. I recall Tavis Smiley saying, “People will shoot an eagle and feed a pigeon”.
What does it mean to be Black in Appleton? Being Black in Appleton is no different than being Black elsewhere in the United States. The same macro trends of racial disparities and discrimination in terms of education, employment, housing, policing that occur nationally exist in the Fox Cities and throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Given that the black population in Appleton is very small – approximately two percent – the Black community is fragmented and lack some traditional institutions that help Blacks to gather around shared experiences. Living in Appleton does have some benefits, like good K-12 schools and low unemployment rates.
What three leaders in Appleton under 50 have impressed you the most? Dr. Bola Delano-Oriaran, Kathy Flores, and Carla Manns. I have worked with all of these phenomenal women for nearly 20 years through various projects that range from cultural events, social justice activities and activism, professional development, and community engagement efforts in Appleton. Their drive and passion for people have been coupled with sustainable and tangible results. If you want to see a change, get these ladies involved!
What’s the biggest stumbling block in Appleton to turning the corner on our racial disparities? When compared to the larger white community, our minority population percentages are still fairly small. However, the population of people of color is increasing at a fast rate. There are a couple of stumbling blocks. First, there is still a significant portion of the community that does not believe there is a problem. Since they are not directly impacted and benefit from the current social and economic structures, it is fairly easy to ignore racial discrimination, both micro aggressions and institutional. Second, we are in need of more and stronger allies to help educate the larger white community. In order to have a robust and inclusive community EVERYONE needs to be on board. Working to eradicate racial and other inequities is a shared responsibility.
What are your top three priorities at this point in your life? Well, I am a mother of a young daughter. My first priority is to raise her to be a strong, Christian woman who has all the necessary tools to be independent and successful in this life. I also want her to have a strong love for humanity and find her mission to help this world be a better place. My second priority is focused around my local community. We have a great need for people to help carry the load to help the most vulnerable in our community to have the opportunity and proper access to have a decent life. My third priority is to take my local experiences and apply those learnings to national and global issues.
How has Appleton embraced your organization, African Heritage, Inc? When it comes to advocating for the rights of Blacks, African Heritage, Inc.(AHI) is the most influential organization with Appleton. For the most part, AHI has the support of several global corporations, nearly all of the school districts in the Fox Cities, a strong relationship with the City of Appleton, and other non-profit organizations. African Heritage organizes five annual programs: Annual Black History Month, African Heritage Emerging Leaders Institute, Juneteenth, Back to School Community Gathering (where we give out school supplies), and Special Topics. Each of these programs has a different set of partners that help us to deliver on a mission to increase awareness, understanding, and acceptance of black people.
What is your favorite ethnic restaurant in Appleton? My favorite ethnic restaurant in Appleton is called Cozzy Corner Southern Food. I love the fried chicken wings and peach cobbler. Whenever friends and family come visit, I take them there.
You are in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. How has being a member of sorority helped enrich your life? I find great joy in being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc because it gives me the opportunity to have ready access to talented and community-minded women who are committed to making our communities stronger and safer. I have also found a number of mentors, advisors and role models within this esteem organization. In fact, I got my first job out of graduate school through a job fair hosted at one of our national meetings. This job was the launch pad to my current day position. The training, friendships, and nurturing has benefited me both personally and professional. There’s no other like our sisterhood.
What actress would you want to play you in a movie? Sanaa Latham. She’s beautiful, talented and can portray a wide range of characters. I think she could capture all the various roles that I represent from being a mom, working in corporate America, and having a strong love for my community.
What is the role of businesses to support diversity in the community? Businesses are a major stakeholder in supporting and helping to facilitate in the efforts of building diverse communities. When recruiting candidates to come work for a company there is an understanding that they need to live in the surrounding community. As such many prospective employers, particularly top talent feel that diversity is important. Therefore, business will need to provide financial support to local and national diversity initiatives. Next, companies will need to continue to lend assistance to local non-profits, educational institutions and other organizations by serving on taskforces, board of director, and other hands-on volunteer opportunities. Studies are showing that Millennials expect diversity not only in the workplace but in the community as well. Business leaders will be challenged to be more engaged and pay more than lip service to diversity.
What three movies best describe the black experience? Roots, Selma, Friday (come on, don’t we all know a Smokey!). I also like Boyz N the Hood. Hip hop culture is exported globally and it is firmly rooted in the black urban experience. It is one of the world’s most authentic art forms that taps in to the core of some of our experiences. Life is hard and it is nice to have movies like Roots, Selma, Friday and Boyz N the Hood that does not gloss over the beauty and hardships that is a part of black culture.
Do you prefer being called Black or African American? I honestly do not have a personal preference. However, from a technical perspective, I do feel it is important to understand the difference between the two. I see Black as an African Diaspora term. It unites all Black people to our ancestral continent, Africa. It denotes a place of origin and commonality. I do feel a sense of kinship to the Diaspora. African-American refers to those of us that live (born or naturalized) in the United States. We as African Americans have a shared experience both from a historical standpoint and contemporary times. Whether one prefers Black or African American our fate is tied together and should not be used as a source of division.
Being from Michigan, are you a Packers fan or Lion’s fan? Well, when I moved here my co-workers at the time said that in order to fit in, I need to be a Republican and a Packers’ fan. I told them that I can do one of the two. With that, they gifted me with a Packers mouse pad (hush, it was in the late 1990s!) and tote bag. Ever since then, the die was cast. I am proud to say that I am a Packers fan. I even dress up for game day! I still get a lot of flak from my Michigan family and friends. However, I have a title ring…. they have the Lions (nowhere near a ring-hee hee).
Besides the K12 school system, what are the biggest barriers for people of color in the Fox Cities? Largest barrier for people of color is access to gainful employment. Although the unemployment rate in Appleton is low, unemployment for Blacks and Hispanics is significantly high. It’s not that people do not want to work, but they are not really getting a fair chance to have full-time jobs with benefits. There are instances that resumes are racially profiled in that ethnic sounding names are passed over. There have also been some reports that even when inquiring about open positions in person, some Blacks and Hispanics are made to feel unwelcomed. Some beginning efforts have started to help the business community better understand the need to have a diverse workforce and the need to make their workplace safe/welcoming for prospective and current workers.
You sit on the board of directors of African Heritage, Inc. (AHI) Why are organizations like AHI relevant today? In the Appleton area, we do not have a NAACP chapter nor an Urban League. While AHI is not a political advocacy association, but a cultural organization that provides cultural awareness of black experiences and educational opportunities for cultural exchange. We find that a firm understanding of our past and the African American experience is still very much needed in today’s environment. Possessing such knowledge provides both the understanding and social responsibility to continue the struggle for equality. Cultural competency and cultural relevancy is an effective vehicle for enhancing the educational and work experience will lead to increased engagement, knowledge, and results for everyone.
