top of page

OUR FOUNDER

Gordon Donkoh-Halm

Founder and Executive Director

Gordon is the Founder and Executive Director of the African Community Center of Lowell. He holds a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from UMass Lowell and now serves as a board member for the UMass Lowell Greeley Scholar for Peace and Conflict Studies. He previously worked at the International Institute of New England Lowell branch helping with refugee resettlement as a youth case specialist and community cultural orientation instructor.

 

Gordon also has experience working with children with developmental disabilities. He volunteers his time as a fence viewer for the town of Dracut helping to resolve disputes around boundaries and occasionally mediates at Lowell District Court. He is on the Board of Trustees for Innovation Academy Charter School and is also the founder of the African Festival in Lowell, a free annual festival that attracts thousands of community members and partners to showcase diversity and inclusion. He recently was chosen as the recipient for the Cultural Heritage Excellence award by the Lowell National Historical Park, and has also been elected as the Co-Chair of UMass Lowell Greeley Scholar Committee. In May 2019, he was among the IINE 100 honorees which he received an award.

 

Gordon would like to thank his mentor Afua Addae Adoo from the UMASS Lowell Career Center, Jim Wilde of the Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership, Steve Joncas of Joncas Associates, and Darcie Coleman, LICSW. He would also like to give a special thanks to his wife Beatrice Stevens and his three sons Isaac, Raysam and Tyler. This would not have been possible without their support.

Awards received by Gordon Donkoh-Halm

 

Community Teamwork Inc, Local Heroes Award, Oct 26, 2006

For distinguished service to the Greater Lowell Community. 

The Lowell Sun’s 25 Most Fascinating People of 2008

African Cultural Association, for outstanding efforts in creating the African Festival and bringing awareness to the rich African culture and promoting cultural understanding among all people of Lowell.

UMass Lowell, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award, Jan 30, 2018

National Park Services Excellence in Cultural Heritage, May 3, 2018

JIL_9985.jpeg.jpg
bottom of page