Pious Ali Addresses the Upper School Community

Pious, elected last November as possibly the first African-born Muslim to the Portland School Board, discussed King’s concept of “beloved community” with the Upper School. The concept focuses on the idea of a nonviolent future with people living together and creating a community so that everyone can become who they are meant to be.

According to a recent article in the Bangor Daily News, Ali was born in the African nation of Ghana and worked as a photojournalist for an English-language newspaper in the Ghana capital Accra. He is the founder and Executive Director of Maine Interfaith Youth Alliance, Director and co-founder of the King Fellows and has been involved in several different organizations including Seeds of Peace, Preble Street’s Lighthouse Shelter, Volunteers of America, the YMCA and others.

Members of RAaW (Racial Awareness at Waynflete) introduced Pious at the Upper School assembly, and discussed the type of community the Activity fosters. RAaW is a cross-cultural group that meets every Friday and issues of race and reconciliation are discussed. It is a group open to anyone in the Waynflete community and meets in Lorry Stillman’s room from 11 to 11:55 a.m.