January 31, 2024
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In the Community
A strong union needs skills, benefits and ACTION!
In honor of Black History Month, Local 276 member and business representative, Jomo Akono, has been recognized in the 2024 Black Power Players list (PoliticsNY and amNY Metro) and the City and State NY 2024 Power of Diversity: Black 100 list. Akono, is a second-generation union carpenter and says his experience is “proof of the labor movement’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and expanding access to opportunity.”
Congratulations to Brother Akono for these deserving recognitions and we thank him for the impactful and meaningful work he does every day. We’ve included his Q&A conversation with PoliticsNY and amNY Metro below for you to enjoy.
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Jomo Akono | Business Representative, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
Jomo Akono is a proud father and grandfather. He is a 19-year member of Carpenters Local 276. Akono is a council representative for the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (NASRCC), a trustee on the Local 276 executive board, committee member on the NASRCC executive board, a trustee on the North Atlantic States Carpenters Labor Management Program, and a board member for Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Investment board. He is also a radio producer on the Legendary WUFO.
If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Take the Life Journey one step at a time and take notes on all lessons learned, even the difficult ones.
What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
Finally getting a carpenter trained pre-apprentice program for inner-city and under-skilled youth who need concentrated access to career opportunities. In 2024 we are planning to introduce the same program to high school seniors who wish to enter directly into the Carpenters Apprenticeship Program.
Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s last book, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community”
Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
I would like to spotlight Franchelle Parker with the organization Open Buffalo.
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