Shout Out: Ali Sekou makes history
The Niger native is the first person of color on the concord City Council
Photo by Robert Ortiz
At just 40 years old, Ali Sekou became the first African immigrant and the youngest councilor elected to the Concord City Council 12 years after he first emigrated from his native Niger to the Granite State.
Sekou, who took office in January, is the council’s first Muslim representative and the first Black member of the council in the city’s 289-year history, the Concord Monitor noted when he was elected in November.
“This community is for all of us; we have the power to make it a better place for all,” Sekou says. In Niger, everyone helps each other to create a strong passion for community integration and engagement. Concord shares those values, he says.
When Sekou first came to New Hampshire in 2012, he recalls how difficult it was to learn English and adapt to a new culture. His self-determination and desire to learn helped him master English and four other languages in a short time.
Sekou earned his associate’s degree in hospitality and management from the New Hampshire Technical Institute in Concord before earning his bachelor’s degree in political science from Plymouth State University. He then earned a subsequent master’s degree in community development and policy from the University of New Hampshire.
Along the way, Sekou joined nonprofit organizations, boards and volunteered in schools and community groups. When Sekou decided to run for Concord City Council in 2023, he used his skills as a strong listener to understand different people’s viewpoints.
After working more than seven years for Hannaford — all while he was pursuing academic degrees — Ali joined New Hampshire Housing (formerly known as New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority) in Bedford as the manager of community engagement and Inclusion.
Sekou hopes his journey to elected office along with work at New Hampshire Housing to create more affordable housing will serve as an inspiration to other immigrants who make New Hampshire their home.
Sekou is also very grateful to the people of Concord for giving him an opportunity to serve them at City Hall. His family and friends continue to give him the support his needs.
Sekou and his wife, Fatimat Sekou (Fanta), have two children, Samirah, 2, and Ahmad, 1.
Sekou’s community work includes serving as president of the Islamic Society of Greater Concord, treasurer for the Organization for Immigrant and Refugee Success, and board member of the NH Community Loan Fund and the Concord Public Library Foundation.
His message to others who may want to follow in his footsteps is simple: “Work hard, be positive, give your time and give your resources.”
This article is featured in the spring 2024 issue of 603 Diversity.
603 Diversity’s mission is to educate readers of all backgrounds about the exciting accomplishments and cultural contributions of the state’s diverse communities, as well as the challenges faced and support needed by those communities to continue to grow and thrive in the Granite State.
