On February 20, BlackWallSt@Roth and AAPI Alliance@Roth came together for a special joint meeting, highlighting two significant cultural observances. February marks Black History Month, while the Lunar New Year—which began on January 29 and concluded on February 12—set a positive tone for the year ahead.
The two Coworker Resource Groups (CRGs) took great pride in sharing this platform and collaborating on an event that equally honored both celebrations. Together, they welcomed speakers who shared personal stories that reflected the themes of resilience, heritage, and new beginnings, creating a space for meaningful dialogue and connection.
This year’s Black History Month theme, African Americans in Labor, honors the profound and transformative contributions of Black Americans to the workforce throughout history. Frank Hyson, former Vice President of Finance & Accounting at Roth Staffing, reflected on his career journey—from being one of just 70 Black students among 2,500 at Lafayette College in Philadelphia to his tenure at Roth Staffing from 2015 to 2023.
Hyson candidly shared times early in his career where he was discriminated against as one of a handful of Black engineers. Later, he found a more supportive environment working for Amoco as an engineer and later, in finance & accounting. At Amoco, a manager’s belief in Hyson and his potential helped him realize he had a mentor who genuinely cared about his growth and development.
“I always felt like I was on my own, trying to figure out my way through this corporate world,” Hyson explained. “When I got to Amoco, it was just a whole different world for me.”
In 2020, while at Roth Staffing, Hyson co-founded BlackWallSt@Roth with Byron White and Roman Ward to foster mentorship and support for Black professionals.
“Early in my career, I just didn’t feel like there wasn’t any support as a Black professional,” Hyson said. “That’s why I wanted something like BlackWallSt where we had an opportunity to mentor others, to be an example. To be able talk to someone who looks like you, where you could freely ask questions and get an honest answer from them—that’s really what I wanted to accomplish with BlackWallSt”
While the first portion of the call focused on looking back and reflecting, the second part of the call featured a look ahead. Linus Law, Branch Manager of Orange County Adams and Martin Group, reflected as a member of AAPI Alliance and Roth on how Lunar New Year sets a hopeful and positive tone for 2025.
This year, the name of the Lunar New Year is “The Year of the Wood Snake.” The snake is one of 12 animals, and wood is one of five elements within the Chinese Zodiac. In Chinese astrology, the snake symbolizes rebirth, regeneration, and the pursuit of love and happiness. Meanwhile, the wood element symbolizes hope and growth.
Law shared how his family celebrates the Lunar New Year, and his belief that 2025 being the Year of the Wood Snake is a good sign for business.
“I’d like to hope and think that this Year of the Wood Snake may be a predictor for a better year,” Law explained. “The stars are aligned in our favor.”
