Our Story
Be Inclusive was founded by Shantae Holmes and Kristen Kohlmeyer, driven by a shared vision to combat racism and promote inclusivity in their community. After moving to Walpole in 2018, Shantae was inspired to take action following the tragic murder of George Floyd in June 2020. This pivotal moment ignited her passion for anti-racism work, leading her to organize Walpole’s first Juneteenth event. The success of this event not only fostered community engagement but also generated donations that were used to purchase anti-racist literature for local schools.
Shantae’s journey intersected with Kristen’s, a licensed social worker and community organizer, who had been advocating for social justice since 2016. Together, they launched the Multicultural Books Initiative (MBI), focusing on providing diverse and affirming books to children in Walpole. This initiative aims to educate youth about diversity, inclusion, and the importance of understanding different cultures.