Mainebiz

V O L . X X V I N O. X I X A U G U S T 1 0 , 2 0 2 0 20 But in fact, she applies the same vigor of her Harlow Street workplace to the council chambers of Bangor City Hall, a five-minute walk. Less than a year into her three-year term, the new councilor says she has peppered her colleagues and city staff with "questions, questions, ques- tions" as she learns her duties. And she hasn't been afraid to speak her mind, especially when it comes to issues related to racial equality and justice. "I see Bangor as a welcoming place," Okafor says, "but still, there are walls. Rules have been made sometimes with- out a lot of consideration for all those who are affected. ere's always room for improvement." As a Black resident of Maine and an immigrant, Okafor has per- sonally experienced some effects of racial prejudice. "It sometimes really ticks me off. I can relate to wanting to fight for what is right, but not being able to," she says. "And that's not just in the short term, or because this is an 'in' thing right now." Her goal as a city councilor is to help broaden Bangor's outlook, she feels. Ultimately, she hopes the city and the state will be more inclusive of people of color and be able "to consider our perspectives, our experiences and our struggles, in making policies and rules and laws." As she's learned her way around City Hall, councilors have been supportive and encouraging, Okafor feels. "We don't always agree, and some- times we've argued," she says. "But we are always very respectful of each other. at has been paramount. We try to learn about each other, to find a balance. I'm glad they've been so open-minded. "I can't say I've done anything on the council by myself. It really does take a village." Sometimes, she adds, she's had to change her communication style. "When I'm speaking, I'm not trying to yell. It's just my culture," Okafor says. "But now I'm beginning to see myself from the eyes of other people. I've even learned to speak slower." Although Bangor is a predominantly white city in the country's least racially diverse state, the community is also rife with opportunities for New Mainers, according to Okafor. And the benefits are mutual. Immigrants can provide lifeblood for the state's dwindling workforce, she says, just as she and her husband are doing. To reap those benefits, she hopes the state can be more welcoming to new businesses, whatever their origins. "Maine," she says, "is really a gold mine that hasn't been tapped." William Hall, Mainebiz digital editor, can be reached at whall @ mainebiz.biz » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E P H O T O / JA S O N PA I G E S M I T H In her own words Did you have a mentor or role model? I don't know if there's truly anyone, but maybe my parents. What advice would you give your former self? Keep going. Stop throwing stones at every dog that barks at you. Get to your dreamed destination. And after you achieve that dream, dream a new one. And keep dreaming endlessly. What are you reading this summer? "White Fragility," by Robin DiAngelo. Who would play you in a movie about your life? Amara Ifeji, a 2020 graduate of Bangor High School. We don't always agree, and sometimes we've argued. But we are always very respectful of each other. That is paramount. — Angela Okafor Angela Okafor praises Bangor city councilors for being 'open minded.'

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