Minnesota Africans United announces new board chair, other leaders

December 18, 2020

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Dr. Fatima Lawson will chair the board of Minnesota Africans United effective January 1, 2021. Photo: Mshale File

Minnesota Africans United has announced Dr. Fatima Lawson as the new board chair along with new leadership and members effective January 1 2021, according to a news release.

Lawson, a school principal at Saint Paul’s Highwood Hills Elementary, has been part of the inaugural board of the young organization which was launched in 2017.

Outgoing chair Ms. Nelima Sitati Munene said her board spent the last three years laying a foundation and long term vision for the new organization, adding “Dr. Lawson will bring her experience and expertise to continue leading on this vision.” Sitati Munene will continue to serve on the board as chair of the Civic Engagement and Public Policy Committee.

(L to R) Divine Arpellet, Michael Appiah and Julia Ugorji will serve as vice-chair, treasurer and secretary of Minnesota Africans United effective January 1, 2021. Photo: Courtesy Minnesota Africans United

Ms. Divine Arpellet will serve as the vice-chair while Dr. Michael Appiah will be the treasurer. Dr. Julia Ugorji wills serve as secretary to the board.

“The future direction of Minnesota Africans United depends on the incoming newly elected board officers who will represent the voices of all Africans in Minnesota. They represent the diversity of Africans in Minnesota and will [bring] diverse perspectives on the board,” Basil Ajuo, Minnesota Africans United founder and CEO, said in the release.