 Chantal Alison-Konteh is a New York City native born and raised in The Bronx and Harlem. As a young black girl growing up in NYC’s housing projects, she witnessed the impact that systemic oppression has on families of color. She uses her voice for justice, equity, and access for all to break the cycles she’s seen ruin her community. Chantal is a wife, mother of four, and the founder and president of Her Village Inc; a non-profit organization, she started to bring essential items to NYC’s most vulnerable mothers, women, and girls.
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Christina: How would you describe your SwagHer? What makes Chantal, Chantal?
Chantal: What makes me is my fierce determination to be myself. I refuse to be boxed in. I can be pro-black and preppy. I can have a strong voice for justice and then go watch anime. There are many layers to our personalities. We don’t have to be either-or of a thing, and I try my best to fully embrace the parts of me that may seem paradoxical.
Christina: As a New York native, what types of systemic oppression would you see in your neighborhood?
Chantal: One thing I like to highlight when speaking about systemic oppression is that for people of color, specifically black people, systemic oppression bleeds into every fabric of our lives. We talk a lot about police brutality, and that goes without saying. I’ve seen friends and neighbors harassed, chased, and handled with excessive force by the NYPD. Police brutality is a huge issue, and yet it is just one part of the many ways systemic oppression shows up in our neighborhoods. Systemic oppression is in the way our teachers deal with us and the disciplinary policies. It shows up in how we are followed in stores in our neighborhood, the neighborhoods we put our money into for other groups to take back to their wealthier zip codes. It is present in our buildings and the lack of upkeep and general maintenance. During the blackout of 2004, I was living in a housing project in East Harlem. My friend, who lived exactly two avenues over in the high rise apartments across from Central Park, had her power restored hours before mine returned. I find it interesting how communities can suffer for years, decades even, but as soon as a neighborhood becomes gentrified, resources become available. Corporations now want stores in urban neighborhoods and then treat the people who were there before them as if they aren’t supposed to be there. These microaggressions that we aren’t always cognitive of – they’re not okay. They aren’t a coincidence. It’s systemic, and it’s been going on for way too long.
Christina: Did what you witness growing up lead you to start Her Village Inc.?
Chantal: Yes, absolutely. I’ve always been extremely emphatic about the needs and concerns of others. Seeing so many people in my community experience a lack of access and opportunities is a huge part of why Her Village Inc. exists today. I really love and believe the quote, “we are the ones we’ve been waiting for”. Part of our mission is filing in the gaps and making the difference. I saw so many, too many gaps growing up, and my goal is to change that. Certain things aren’t up for discussion, and I believe access to essential items is one of those things. All families should have access to basic necessities regardless of race, class, income, or personal situations.Â
Christina: What inspires you to continue your non-profit?
Chantal: The children – both my children and the children of the families I serve. My children because I want to leave a legacy of service and leaving the world better than I found it. The children of the families I serve because providing essential items for families allows them to handle the more important aspects of their lives with ease. When a mom is struggling in a shelter alone, but she knows each month she will receive a month’s supply of diapers for her child and period supplies for herself, she can focus on school and work. She can focus on growing, stability, and thriving and, in doing so, will change the trajectory of her child’s life.
Christina: How were you able to start Her Village Inc.?
Chantal: Her Village Inc. began in 2016 with a community baby shower at The Bronx River housing projects. It was a successful event, and afterward, I found myself wanting to do more for my community. Community baby showers are great, but they happen once, maybe twice a year. I started doing research and came across the term “diaper need,” which is when families can’t afford enough diapers to keep their babies clean and dry. I kept digging and came across diaper banks in other states; at this time, there weren’t any in New York State. I realized I was going to have to form an official 501(c)(3) organization, and it was daunting. The idea of filing forms with the IRS and going through an attorney felt very intimidating. I sat on it for a while, almost four years, to be exact. After giving birth to my daughter Zia, whose name means light – she awakened something in me.
I couldn’t sit on it any longer. During my maternity leave, I wrote my business plan. This was December of 2019. In February 2020, we incorporated with the state. In May 2020, we received our IRS determination letter approving our tax-exempt status. There’s something to be said for timing – in 2016, I don’t believe I was ready to do everything I’m doing now. I didn’t have the bandwidth at that time. I researched a lot to make sure I understood what I was doing. With advice from a good friend who is also an attorney, I completed all the documents independently. I decided it was time and I went for it. The process took about six months to get started.
Christina: How many mothers do you help a year?
Chantal: This year to date, thanks to our amazing donors, we have served over 100 NYC families, and we’re just getting started.
Christina: As a mother of four, what advice would you give to new mothers who are struggling?
Chantal: Seek supportive community, it won’t just come to you, you’ve got to go get it. For some of us, this is a small group at church, a Facebook mom’s group, or a circle of girlfriends we’ve known for years. I don’t necessarily mean community to help you with your kid(s) but community for you. Surround yourself with other women who can pour back into you. All too often, mamas forget to nourish themselves – don’t lose yourself in motherhood. Having a strong, supportive community will help you to take care of yourself, which will help you to be the best version of you for both your children and yourself. Also, don’t forget to have fun. What do you like? Outside of your children, what makes you, not the mom, but you the woman happy? Create space for your own joy.
Christina: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you care to share?
Chantal: Yes, thanks so much for asking. In July, Her Village Inc. will host a virtual raffle. The prizes include beautiful art and home decor by black artists. All proceeds will go to our free diaper bank and period supply program. Visit our website for more info!
Connect with Chantal Alison-Konteh below:
Business Website: www.wearehervillage.org
Instagram: @chantalalisonkonteh | @wearehervillage
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wearehervillage
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantalak
