Advocating for Recognition, Equity, and Community in Concord
- Fiston Mututsi
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
In Concord, New Hampshire, the story of freedom is celebrated unevenly. While the Fourth of July is widely observed, Juneteenth—the day marking the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans—remains largely invisible in public life. Fisto Ndayishimiye, a committed community leader, organizer,
and advocate for equity, has taken it upon himself to address this silence and highlight the ongoing need for recognition, representation, and real action.
Fisto’s Juneteenth article, published in the Concord Monitor, draws attention to the gap between the city’s ideals and the experiences of marginalized communities. Referencing historical lessons and the perspectives of civil rights leaders, he frames Juneteenth not only as a celebration of liberation but as a lens to examine ongoing inequities. Through this work, he positions himself as a connector between city leadership and the communities that are too often overlooked.
Beyond writing, Fisto consistently turns advocacy into action. Through his leadership of Change for Concord and participation in initiatives like One Concord, he brings together residents and organizations across cultural, racial, and socioeconomic lines. His focus is clear: communities only move forward when everyone is included. By hosting events, facilitating dialogue, and attending city meetings, Fisto ensures that refugees, new Americans, youth, and low-income residents are seen and heard in city decision-making.
In his Juneteenth piece, Fisto highlights key challenges: the lack of Black representation in leadership, the absence of Black history in public education and programming, and the limited support for Black-led initiatives. He calls for a Concord where recognition is structural, not symbolic. Students should see themselves in what they learn, residents should see their contributions valued, and all communities should have access to resources, leadership opportunities, and public platforms.
Fisto’s approach is practical and intentional. He emphasizes that real change is not about words—it’s about consistent action. He advocates for funding multicultural education, youth empowerment programs, and racial reconciliation initiatives. He encourages the city to host public forums on equity, support Black-owned businesses, and celebrate cultural milestones with real visibility and respect. His work shows that celebrating Juneteenth is more than marking a date—it’s about creating a city that actively includes and values every resident.
Through writing, organizing, and advocacy, Fisto Ndayishimiye demonstrates the kind of leadership Concord—and cities everywhere—need: inclusive, accountable, and focused on bridging gaps while building community. He shows that equity requires visibility, access, and consistent effort, ensuring that every resident has a voice in shaping the city’s present and future.
This feature draws from coverage in the Concord Monitor and reflects Fisto Ndayishimiye’s ongoing commitment to equity, education, and leadership in Concord, New Hampshire.
Comments