Black is Beautiful

Claudia’s Story

Claudia Hawkins Moise—a a Corporate Controller and member of our Consultant Community—shares why Black History Month holds a special significance for her, and invites us to try three of her favorite family meals. 

We need to build positive relationships and celebrate our differences. 

Not only is it my birth month, it's a month where the contributions and accomplishments of my community are celebrated. We don't need to re-hash the dark past of racial tensions in the United States; instead, we need to build positive relationships and celebrate our differences. Black History Month is a short period of time to recognize hundreds of years of contributions of Blacks to society.  

My biggest inspiration is my grandmother. My grandmother fought for equity and equality during an era of legal segregation. She taught me the value of education, hard work, and fighting for what's right. Some of my best memories take place in her kitchen. Listening to her share her life experience as she showed me how to make lima beans and okra, cornbread, and greens, and yummy fluffy pound cakes.  

Change starts with an open mind 

The best way to honor Black History month is to learn our history and advocate for what is right and equitable. Spend time learning, asking questions and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. Change starts with an open mind and a willingness.  

Black is Beautiful 

One of my favorite black entrepreneurs currently is Yelitsa Jean-Charles. She is the CEO and Founder of Healthy Roots Dolls. I am raising a daughter who doesn't see herself represented in mainstream media, in toys, or fashion. Healthy Roots Dolls are not just representation with her skin tone but also her hair. They show her a positive representation of herself and help build her self-esteem. (Black is beautiful as well.) 

Claudia’s Family Recipes 

Two of my family’s favorite recipes—Louisiana Greens and Cajun Baked Chicken—can be found on epicure.com.

Louisiana Greens Recipe 

Cajun Baked Chicken Recipe 

Another recipe we love is grits—creamy, buttery grits (often we top them with cheese or a protein covered in a sauce)! Grits are comfort-in-a-bowl, and they take me back to my grandmother's kitchen.

Creamy Grits Recipe 

  • 1½ cups chicken broth or water 

  • ½ cup heavy cream 

  • ½ cup half and half 

  • ½ cup 5-minute grits 

  • 2 tbsp butter 

  • Salt 

  • Pepper 

Add chicken broth or water, heavy cream, and half and half to a pot. Bring to a boil. Slowly add in the grits while whisking steadily. Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 5–7 minutes, whisking frequently. Remove from heat. Add butter and salt and pepper to taste. 

Top with cheese, bacon, green onions.  

Claudia—a Corporate Controller and member of our Consultant Community—lives with her family in Fond du Lac WI. Follow along as Claudia shares more good food on Instagram @madamehawkinsmoise. 

Amelia Warren