All Posts


September Reflection: Sazón Para Siempre
As we observe Hispanic Heritage Month, we want to take a moment to celebrate the profound and enduring contributions of Afro-Colombians...

Erin A. Francis
Sep 81 min read


Shaken, but Not Stirred
Life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them. Over the past few months, I've faced some personal challenges and...

Erin A. Francis
Aug 71 min read


Wealth in Health
At Alegria, we honor July as BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month with deep reverence and reflection. In San Basilio de Palenque, the...

Erin A. Francis
Jul 61 min read


Things We Find Joy In—June
At Alegria, June brings us a special kind of joy: the opportunity to celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, brothers, sons, and...

Erin A. Francis
Jun 71 min read


Things We Find Joy In—May
May is a month full of joy and meaning for us at Alegria: Palenque Preservation Project. We proudly celebrated Afro-Colombian Day on May...

Erin A. Francis
May 71 min read


Thinking "Better," not "Bigger"
Grant proposal efforts during this year’s first quarter were unfruitful, prompting me to think outside the box for a better second...

Erin A. Francis
Apr 41 min read


Honoring Women’s History: Francia Márquez and the Power of Palenquera Women
During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the powerful legacies of Afro-Colombian women who have changed the course of history—none more...

Erin A. Francis
Mar 181 min read


How Will Your Greatness be Measured?
Buen dia, friends! Black History Month is one of our favorite times of the year at APPP, especially because we partner with and support a...

Erin A. Francis
Feb 241 min read


Pass the Buck? We Don't do That Here!
To paraphrase a key takeaway from an episode of The CEO Series, “If you’re a CEO, the buck stops with you. Everything that goes right or...

Erin A. Francis
Jan 121 min read


Welcome, 2025!
Happy New Year! I can't stress this enough--Alegria: Palenque Preservation Project wishes you all a year full of great health, wealth,...

Erin A. Francis
Jan 11 min read


What You Do Matters
Buenas, Friends! Happy First-Day-of-Winter! And just like that, the new year is upon us... Conversations with my team and this photo...

Erin A. Francis
Dec 21, 20241 min read


What a Year...!
Hola, friends!!! This is Erin, founder of APPP, wishing you a blessed and safe start to your holiday season! Like many of you, I hoped...

Erin A. Francis
Nov 29, 20241 min read
