About Us

Shalawn (Shai) Brown

I have proudly served on the Board of Harambee since 2019. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University at Albany and also serve on the boards of Family of Woodstock and the Ulster County Task Force. My life experiences inspired my path into social work and continue to fuel my passion for Harambee’s mission to make a difference in the lives of others, to give a voice to the voiceless, and to inspire change.

I am committed to bringing cultural understanding by educating and sharing the richness of African culture. Through my lived experiences, I offer insight, authenticity, and a deep drive to make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities.

I bring resilience, the strength to stand firm and fight for the culture, and the determination to help others recognize their worth. No matter what you face in life, you can change, you can make a difference, and above all, you can overcome.

The best social workers are those who have walked the path themselves—overcoming oppression, struggle, systemic barriers, and trauma. I am living proof that it’s possible to rise above and help others do the same.

Sidney DeThomas

Sidney DeThomas is a Black American young woman of African, Trinidadian, Native, and Hispanic descent. She is deeply rooted in her heritage and feels most powerful when nurturing her connection to her cultural lineage. Sidney is an experienced health care worker, having first served as an animal care technician, then at a brain injury and rehabilitation facility, and now at The Arc Mid-Hudson, where she supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Sidney is a proud and driven member of the Harambee Board, serving as Treasurer. She brings ambition, assertiveness, adaptability, intellectual and strategic deliberation, resilience, and keen attention to detail. Strong, confident, and spiritually aligned, Sidney is an influential leader and an exceptional role model for the generations to come.

“I have the heart to do this work, and I have the devoted roots to do it too. There is great power and strength in knowing who you are—so own your crown. Focus on improving yourself, not proving yourself. Own your power, your beauty, your intelligence. Be fierce and unapologetic, for you are fearfully and wonderfully made!”

Ms. Angela Armstrong

Ms. Angela Armstrong is a black American women of African, Panamanian and Bajan decent. She is a Bronx native raised in “The Berkshires. Ms. Armstrong is A recent retired educator with 40 years experience.

She served as the Director of Recruitment/Retention and Equity for the Kingston City School District. The goals of the position  were increase the number of Educators of Color in the district and to develop support systems for retention of those employees. Ms. Armstrong has been an adjunct professor in the Black Studies Dept. at SUNY New Paltz, a high school and middle school assistant principal and a special education teacher.

Ms. Armstrong holds a BA in Education from Michigan State University, a MA in Human Resource Development from American International College and a CAGS in Education Leadership from Massachusetts College for Liberal Arts. Her ultimate passion has always been to do whatever she can to improve the lives and quality of education for our children. She hopes to be able to lend her skills in whatever areas she is needed to advance the goals of Harambee Kingston.

Priscilla DeConti

A retired Registered Nurse, Priscilla brings a wealth of experience in fostering community connections to the Board. As an active member of the Pointe of Praise Family Life Center, where she serves in various ministries, she has firsthand insight into the issues currently impacting the African American community.



An accomplished artist, Priscilla channels her creativity and expertise into advancing Harambee’s mission, exploring innovative ways to engage and inspire the community. She is an active member of Arts Mid-Hudson and several other local organizations. Her dedication to service, combined with her passion for the arts, uniquely positions her to help guide Harambee in uniting people and strengthening community bonds.

Monserrat Duran

I’m a proud Board member for Harambee. I’m detail-oriented, adaptable, ethical, and a people person, qualities I incorporate into always helping others. I bring these strengths to both the Board and the community I serve. My adaptability allows me to contribute in many ways, whether through my accounting background or my passion for supporting the community and volunteering at Harambee’s events and meetings.

I also take pride in learning about Black and African American history and sharing that knowledge with those around me. As a Mexican-American, I’m able to educate the Latino community and be a voice for raising awareness about both past and present issues. My professional background is in the tax industry, and I am also a community worker. I take pride in what I represent, holding myself to high standards both professionally and personally.

The Board of Directors of Harambee Kingston NY, Inc. plays a vital role in carrying out our mission and advancing the goals of our free youth and adult programs, cultural festivals, community events, and stewardship of the historic Pine Street African Burial Ground.

Let us know if you are interested in being a member of the Harambee Board Of Directors.

Contact Harambee Kingston NY: info@harambeekingstonny.org