Council of Elders

Wisdom, guidance, and accountability at the heart of AROPI.

The AROPI Council of Elders is a select body of Elders, age 55 and older, identified and trained from within the Community of Elders to serve as guardians of the African American Community—The Village. The Council grew from AROPI’s African-centered Rites of Passage work and the traditional understanding that the Elders are to carry a sacred responsibility to preserve wisdom, guide succeeding generations, and help the community achieve its highest level of functioning, wellness, and collective well-being throughout the life cycle.

Rooted in an African-centered worldview, the Council provides wisdom, counsel, mentorship, cultural continuity, mediation, and community guidance to the greater Akron African American Community. Drawing upon lived experience, ancestral wisdom, the Nguzo Saba, principles of Ma’at, and the responsibility of Eldership, the role of its members is to seek to strengthen families, guide community leadership, preserve our history and culture, mentor younger generations, and support the institutions that sustain the Village. Eldership is not simply a matter of age—it is a responsibility to serve, guide, protect, and prepare the way for those who follow.

Founding Council of Elders

Sondra Bryant
Roger Cobbs
Victor Daniel
Dr. Francis Dorsey
Ida Delores Drone
Dadisi John Fuller
Earl Holmes
Joyce M. Jones
Gwendolyn Petway
Terrence Shelton
Fred Slack
Linda Slack
Charmaine Thurman
Theodore Thompson
Jerry Williams

The founding Council brought together community Elders who accepted the responsibility of helping establish and model this African-centered approach to Eldership and service. For more information how to join the Council of Elders contact Mama Esi Bryant at 330-322-8815.