The Honorable Stacey Thompson

Nominated/Interviewed by Carl Howell, Chief Program Officer, Community Teamwork

CTI feels privileged to recognize the Honorable Stacey Thompson, Lowell School Committee Member and the Director of Workforce Learning & Development at Lowell Community Health Center.

Ms. Thompson is the first African-American elected to the School Committee and the first Black woman elected to any municipal office in the City of Lowell. She is humbled by what she feels is a tribute to Birdie Bell Malbory’s dream of an African-American sitting in an elected role after some 40 years since Birdie’s initial campaigns to become a City Councilor. While Ms. Thompson has broken though race and gender barriers, she identifies seeing the changes in engagement in our young people and finally having City leadership declare racism a public health crisis (albeit through contentious spaces and years of folks sharing very painful and traumatic experiences) as two of the most rewarding aspects of her roles as a member of the School Committee and DEI Consortium-Lowell.

Ms. Thompson’s perspective on Black history is that it is American History. It is often limited to stories of a few people and narratives of pain, suffering and poverty. Nevertheless, Black History is so rich.  It does, and should, tell stories of overcoming the cruelties and inhumanity associated with slavery. However, to be a full history, it needs to shine a light on the ingenuity, the impacts, the very sweat equity that has allowed this nation to flourish in the ways that it has. Should it be relegated to one month? Absolutely not – although Ms. Thompson is glad that it does allow for all people to have a central focus and that unified work is done to amplify Black voices, work and people. Stacey expressed that, “Through ongoing conversations, we cannot change the hearts and minds of people without being willing to listen and learn.  If you don’t know about Black history, educate yourself, bring it into your homes, your book clubs, your places of business, and in spaces like affinity clubs. Black history for too long has been seen as a non-priority but, to me, equipping young people and the community with the truth is never secondary. We need accountability to ensure it is being celebrated in every educational space and taught/incorporated throughout the year.”

It has been an honor for Ms. Thompson to experience seeing so many young people engage in her School Committee motions and reach out to her personally to thank her. She was humbled when she learned that her work in the community was being featured by students as a part of the Public School’s Civics Day Project.

Politics was not something Ms. Thompson ever was interested in pursuing. She didn’t have name recognition like some other folks who have either run for office before or who were a part of the political machine. However, she knew she needed to step up for our young people, especially with the civil unrest and the lack of representation in any number of spaces by people who looked like them. Stacey knew it was important for people to see a Black woman holding space and fighting for change – change that would not just be discussed, but implemented.

Her advice for the youth and future leaders – “Your voice matters.  NEVER let anyone take your voice from you.  Always walk in integrity.  Remember, this is a MOVEMENT not a MOMENT.   Lastly, your presence, your successes, the use of your voice, and your votes all make a difference. Protect your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health”, and also know that Stacey is there.

The City of Lowell is indebted to Ms. Thompson for her leadership, vulnerability and vision.

#CommunityLeader #Leadership #Appreciation #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackLivesMatter #DEIatCTI #LowellBlackExcellence

Dr. Shannon Butler-Mokoro

Shannon Butler-Mokoro, MSW, Ph.D. is the Dean of First-Year Students at Wellesley College. She is the interim Chairperson of the African Community Center of Lowell. Dr. Shannon Mokoro has worked in higher education for over 20 years as student affairs professional and social work educator. Her areas of research and interest include helping to build culturally humble and proficient organizations, social welfare history, the history of higher education, faith-based social work. She is a social work educator and conducts workshops and trainings for various schools and nonprofits around the issues of diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.

Nominated by Elizabeth Wando, Rehousing and Stabilization Case Manager, Residential Programs, Housing and Homeless Services, Community Teamwork

Primary Questions:

What is your title/role/organization and/or involvement in the community?

I am the Dean of First-Year Students at Wellesley College. I am also the Vice-Chair of the African Community Center of Lowell and the Assistant Social Secretary of the Cameroonians of Lowell Association. I am trained as a social worker who engaged in clinical work for a couple of decades before going into higher education. I taught in a few social work programs before I landed where I am today. Along the way I have done quite a bit of DEIA training for various organizations.

What does Black History Month Mean to you?

For me, every day is Black History. History making is fluid and occurs every day. So February is just a month to highlight what happens daily. A month to educate others who are not aware of what is happening every day in the Black/African American communities.

What can the community do more of to recognize Black History during the year?

Have ongoing conversations, speakers, workshops, social media posts of the accomplishments of Black people currently and historically. This is true of all of the cultural and racial and ethnic groups – celebrate all the ongoing accomplishments monthly to normalize the contributions of people of color consistently.

Optional Questions:

What has been the most rewarding part of your commitment to the community?

Anytime I am with groups of “Black folx” it is rewarding! Getting to learn about the different histories and cultures from which African Americans come has been wonderful. I am a social worker by training, so just talking with people – hearing their stories, learning their cultures, helping people meet their goals – all of it is rewarding!

How have you seen your efforts make a positive difference in people’s lives?

What advice would you give to future generations of leaders in the community?

How did you become inspired to make a difference in your community?

My parents and grandparents were active in their communities. I come from a long line of social workers and educators. I feel it is almost in my genes! I am inspired by my own family and those who came before me, but quite honestly I am most inspired by the people who are younger than me. They are awesome, energetic, well-informed, passionate, tireless, – I draw my inspiration from them.

What do you hope to accomplish in the future to further your positive impact? 

What I would truly love to do is to spend more time mentoring the next generation of community leaders and activists. I’d love to encourage them, guide them, and lift them up to do the work that needs to be done. I am ready to step back and let others take the reigns and shine.

What have been some of your greatest accomplishments in your field?

What advice would you give to young people looking to make a positive influence in their community?

What would you say are the most important qualities needed to become a leader in the community?

How has your experience as a Black person influenced your work?

I always show up knowing that someone needs to see my Black face and body – someone needs to know there is someone with whom they can identify. I extend myself beyond my defined role to make sure I am making connections with the other Black/African/African American people wherever I am. That has often led me to then be involved in DEIA efforts, which is ok even though that is not my job. I show up and then make sure I use my experience and knowledge to help the other folx of color, especially those of African descent who may not always have a voice or power or influence. I have many privileges at this moment in my life and with those privileges come lots of asks and responsibilities. I am always happy to step up.

What advice would you give to other young Black people looking to make a difference in their communities?

You do not have to wait until you are older or have more experience to make a difference. You have something to contribute now. Get involved by being a youth member to an organization or a community board. Mentor someone younger than you. Use social media to be an advocate for others and to bring attention to what your community needs.

What was the most difficult obstacle you had to overcome to become a leader in your community?

#CommunityLeader #Leadership #Appreciation #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackLivesMatter #DEIatCTI #grateful #LowellBlackExcellence

Gordon R. Donkoh-Halm

Gordon is the Founder and Executive Director of the African Community Center of Lowell (ACCL). He holds a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from UMass Lowell. He serves as a fence viewer for town of Dracut, and has a charitable foundation called the Donkoh-Halm Foundation Inc, incorporated since 2012.

In celebrating Black History Month, Gordon opined in an interview with Gifty Korankye, Case Manager – Steward ACO, Community Teamwork

What does Black History Month mean to you?

It is a time of reflection and a continuation of what has been achieved by our ancestors and how to bring attention to issues such as racial injustice, inclusiveness, and unequal access to education and opportunities. A lot has been achieved, but we still need to go the extra mile to do more than what has already been done. With that, we will be highlighting the contributions and achievements of African Americans which to me is an inspiration to act and work towards creating a more equitable and just society for the future generation.

What can our community do more to recognize Black History during this month and during every month?

We need to consciously include minorities and making sure that a particular group of people or persons are not marginalized or set aside because the future of Black History Month will depend on the ongoing efforts of those who support its recognition and societal attitudes towards race, economic status, and cultural diversity.

How did you begin your work here at ACCL?

I realized lack of resources for African immigrants and refugees in Greater Lowell. There was no place to call home and no one to lead you to find the right information and resources, and this was an issue decades ago. As you may know, Africans represent strength, diversity with a rich history of culture and traditions so why not bring this richness to Greater Lowell. Nothing good comes easy so with hard work and networking, we now have a place here in Lowell where immigrants, refugees and asylees are free to connect with resources to transform their lives.

Why do you do what you do?

I do what I do because it is innate. It comes natural to me. I wake up in the morning with the intent to put a smile on someone else’s face. Remember we are humans so when I give a helping hand, it places the receiver in a better position to be hopeful and help others along the way. What goes around, comes around!

What are your goals for 2023?

Continue to take each day one step at a time; focusing on making impact especially when we can make a positive change in our society for a better future because our actions today will contribute to the experience of our future generations, and we need to be conscious about what we leave behind.

Are there any other messages you would like to share?

We need to prepare for future eventualities. The Pandemic, for instance, changed our world because we were not prepared. We need to be aware of our surroundings, focus on the most important things and learn to prepare our minds, bodies, and inner selves for any eventuality and celebrate each other’s accomplishments.

#CommunityLeader #Leadership #Appreciation #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackLivesMatter #DEIatCTI #grateful

During Black History Month, CTI will be publishing profile features of local Black leaders to celebrate #LowellBlackExcellence. Check back regularly throughout the month as we hear from our leaders in their own words about their experiences, perspectives and wisdom as Black leaders in our local communities.

Nokuthula (“Thula”) Sibanda, Ph.D., Chief of Staff for the Department of Youth Services

By Carl Howell, CTI’s Chief Program Officer

CTI is honored to recognize the Chief of Staff for the Department of Youth Services, Nokuthula (“Thula”) Sibanda, Ph.D., during Black History Month for her leadership and dedication to the community.

Dr. Sibanda has been a vital voice and leader for youth across the Commonwealth and especially here in Lowell. She has impacted policy and services to provide more supportive services to youth engaged in the State’s juvenile justice system. She has been an advocate to build safer communities and collaborations for an equitable and fair system for our youth. In her work, she has a personal understanding of where the youth are coming from, “Their communities are my communities; I could have easily have been one of them.”

Dr. Sibanda believes Black History Month is a time to appreciate and acknowledge Black Excellence, both past and present.  It is also a time where we honor those who have paved the way for us and to remember that the work is not yet done.  She feels that we need to further our acknowledgment of Black Excellence and not limit it to just a month but emphasize it in everything communities do, and to make an effort to uplift the contributions that Black people have made throughout the year.

When asked what advice would she would give young people, she stated, “Own your voice and speak up against injustices that you encounter. You are the community! Embrace it and participate in activities that are focused on cultivating change.”

As a young Black woman in leadership, Dr. Sibanda has often found herself in rooms where no one looked like her.  She was always the “other”, the anomaly, the one who watched others being referred to by their titles or credentials. She always wondered when someone would use her title or refer to her as “Dr. Sibanda”.  She has been asked many times why she keeps showing up to those meetings.  For her, the answer has always been, “As long as we have a disproportionate number of Black and Brown youth in detention facilities, then I will keep showing up because they do not have a choice but I have the opportunity to advocate and that’s what I continue to do.” Her advice to young Black leaders is to find what you are passionate about and keep showing up until the change takes place.

We are grateful for Dr. Sibanda’s commitment and passion for making our community and state a better place.

#CommunityLeader #Leadership #Appreciation #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackLivesMatter #DEIatCTI #grateful