When you have Tom Gitaa, a community leader who is also a leading community newspaper publisher as a speaker, what do you do for an icebreaker activity? Current events trivia of course!
The ladies in attendance are on top of their game when it comes to current events. They were highly aware and knowledgeable of topics including the BP oil spill, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military policy, the local nurses’ association talks and potential strike, Minnesota failing schools, American Idol, the 2010 World Cup, etc. We had lots of fun discussing the news. Tom did weigh in somewhat but not very much. However, we could tell that he was impressed and enjoyed our perspectives and insights.
Tom shared his story about coming to the US as a student, getting involved in community and eventually starting a newsletter, which turned into what is now Mshale – The African Community Newspaper. He is the president and publisher of Mshale, which has been in existence since 1995. It is based in Minneapolis and serves the upper Midwest of the United States, reporting primarily on the activities of the African immigrant community. Tom founded the paper while still in college. The paper is considered an authority on the African immigrant community in the Midwest and held in high esteem around the United States within the ethnic media publishing industry.
On the surface, it sounded like he stumbled onto the paths of publishing and leadership. “I became a community leader by default,” Tom said. That’s because he is a sought after commentator and opinion leader on issues pertaining to Africa and the African Immigrant community in the US. However, if you listen closely to his interests and life experiences, you will see how everything he has been involved with and worked towards all played a role in molding his leadership.As a community leader and publisher, Tom says that he and his team are very intentional when it comes to working respectfully and equally with all African communities and building trusting relationships. “Give now and get later,” is how Tom describes volunteer work. He is the president of the board of directors for Books for Africa, the largest shipper of donated books to Africa. He also sits in the board of directors of the Minnesota International Center (MIC), the sixth largest World Affairs Council in the United States. MIC is affiliated to the World Affairs Councils of America.
“My volunteer experiences have been very rewarding, exposed me to many opportunities and connected me to amazing individuals,” Tom said. His advice is to get involved even when it feels scary and uncertain because each person brings something to the table (otherwise they won’t allow you to participate) and take the time to get to know the people you come in contact with.
It would have been so wrong, I mean so very wrong, to let Tom get away without giving him a hard time. So we alluded to the fact that he talked about his children and other family members but did not mention a companion. He said that his lovely wife passed away a few years ago and he has been too busy and occupied for a romantic relationship. Then came the bombshell question, “Are you technically saying that you are available?” Tom reluctantly said yes. There you go—single ladies.
In closing, Tom extended an invitation to members and friends of AWC to attend Mshale’s 2nd Annual African Awards Gala, which will be held on September 18, 2010 at the Downtown Hilton in Minneapolis, MN. Tom has provided a special AWC discount. Contact us for the code to get your discount ticket.
A great time was had by all!
