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With your involvement, we can collectively work together to elevate the consciousness in community development, educate practitioners with implementing “conscious community development” practices as a new community development paradigm, that focus on building structural capacity and economic sustainability in under-invested Black communities.
Dr. Denguhlanga Julia Kapilango, widely known as Dr. Julia, is a distinguished leader whose career reflects a commitment to community development, cultural preservation, and economic justice. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved populations, she has dedicated her work to fostering impactful programs and partnerships that create sustainable pathways for growth.
Comprehensive list of articles and publications featuring Dr. Denguhlanga Julia Julia Kapilango across Michigan and national platforms
Dr. Kapilango holds a Doctorate in Metaphysical Sciences (Msc.D.) from the University of Metaphysical Sciences, where she specialized in spiritual counseling, holistic healing, and metaphysical philosophy. Her studies encompassed advanced techniques in energy work, meditation practices, and sacred text analysis, alongside her ministerial ordination through the Wisdom of the Heart Church.
She also earned a Master’s Degree in Marketing from Baker College Graduate School of Graduate Studies, focusing on strategic marketing, consumer behavior, and business development. Dr. Kapilango completed the Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell University, where she gained expertise in entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and leadership. Additionally, she holds a Main
Street Certification, which emphasizes community revitalization and economic development, and has studied scrum master and web design to enhance digital outreach.
Dr. Kapilango’s career is marked by significant contributions to social enterprise, program management, and cultural advocacy. As a team leader for the Enterprising Health Social Enterprise Pitch Competition in Detroit, she managed incubator operations and logistics, guiding participants to develop innovative solutions addressing health disparities.
Her leadership extended to the Detroit Family Caregiver Project, where she helped construct a virtual community database and educated 27 churches on creating caregiver ministries. In partnership with the American Library Association, she advocated for connecting libraries with authors to strengthen cultural and literary access.
In 2024, Dr. Kapilango played a key role in organizing Winter Breeze, a marketplace venue in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority, featuring over 40 local vendors. She also collaborated with the Little Fields Social Justice Action Network on a panel discussion for YG&T and supported an art exhibition for a rising local artist.
Luba Line
Dr. Denguhlanga Julia Kapilongo’s heritage also reflects her deep connection to the Luba people, one of the most prominent ethnic groups in Central Africa, primarily located in the Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of Angola and Zambia. The Luba are known for their sophisticated governance systems, rich oral traditions, and contributions to African art, particularly through symbolic carvings, sculptures, and cultural artifacts.
This Luba heritage adds to the complexity and depth of Dr. Kapilango’s identity, emphasizing her understanding of cultural resilience and ingenuity. The traditions and histories of the Luba people resonate in her work, particularly her commitment to preserving cultural narratives and advocating for the empowerment of communities affected by colonial exploitation and systemic inequities. Through her
writings, such as The Exploration of Ghana and Angola and Black Americans’ Wealth Gap for African Reparations, Flags of the Black America of Africa, she weaves the legacy of her Luba ancestry into broader discussions of reparative justice and cultural unity.
Dr. Kapilango’s Luba origin reinforces her Pan-African vision, highlighting the interconnectedness of African diasporic communities and their shared histories of resilience, strength, and creativity. This heritage serves as a profound influence on her advocacy for equitable solutions and her mission to celebrate and honor African traditions globally.
Herero Line
Dr. Denguhlanga Julia Kapilango’s heritage is further enriched by her Herero origins, tracing back to the indigenous people of southwestern Africa, primarily in modern-day Namibia, Botswana, and Angola. The Herero people are known for their resilience and cultural strength, particularly in the face of historical challenges during the colonial era. Dr. Kapilango’s connection to this lineage underscores her deep
commitment to Pan-Africanism and her advocacy for reparative justice and cultural preservation.
This Herero heritage is a vital part of her identity and has profoundly influenced her understanding of historical injustices and their lasting impact on Black communities worldwide. It also strengthens her resolve to create opportunities for healing and empowerment for those affected by colonialism and systemic inequities. Her research and writings often reflect the rich cultural traditions of her ancestors,
aligning with her broader mission to bridge the past with actionable solutions for the future.
Ovimbundu Line
Dr. Denguhlanga Julia Kapilango’s lineage is also deeply rooted in the Ovimbundu kingdoms of Angola, the largest ethnic group in the country. Known for their sophisticated political systems and thriving trade networks, the Ovimbundu kingdoms were central to pre-colonial Angola’s social and economic structures. The kingdoms, including Bié, Huambo, and Bailundo, were historically governed by rulers
known as soba and maintained vibrant cultural traditions that emphasized community governance, oral history, and artisanal crafts.
The legacy of the Ovimbundu kingdoms deeply informs Dr. Kapilango’s connection to her Angolan heritage. These kingdoms’ resilience in the face of colonial incursions and their role as cultural hubs of commerce and art are a source of inspiration for her work. Dr. Kapilango’s understanding of leadership, equity, and cultural preservation is shaped by the values passed down through her Ovimbundu ancestry.
This connection to the Ovimbundu is reflected in her advocacy for reparative justice and Pan-African unity, as she draws upon the wisdom and legacy of her ancestors to bridge historical narratives with actionable solutions. Her writings and community initiatives honor the contributions of the Ovimbundu people, emphasizing their enduring impact on Angola’s cultural and historical identity.
As a member of the executive leadership team as VP of board for the Network for Developing Conscious Communities (NDCC), Dr. Kapilango contributes her expertise in program development and strategic planning to support initiatives that empower communities through equitable growth. Her work with organizations like the Detroit Food Policy Council and Detroit Champions for Hope demonstrates her ability to build impactful collaborations that bridge cultural, economic, and social divides.
Dr. Kapilango’s work is deeply informed by her research into her patriarchal lineage, which traces back to the nations of Ghana and Angola in Africa. This exploration of her ancestral roots has driven her passion for bridging historical narratives with modern-day solutions for economic justice. Her groundbreaking book, The Exploration of Ghana and Angola and Black Americans’ Wealth Gap for African Reparations, Flags of the Black America of Africa, examines the historical and cultural
connections between African countries and the African diaspora, highlighting the systemic disparities in wealth and advocating for reparative justice. Through this work, Dr. Kapilango provides a powerful framework for understanding the legacy of colonialism and slavery while offering actionable pathways toward global equity and unity.
In addition to her work with the 2024 Black Cooperative Conference, Dr. Kapilango is collaborating with NDCC, Cummings and Company Realtors, and two nonprofits—Keys to Home and Building Communities and Families—to launch the “Equity in Housing: Pathways to Health and Community Webinar Series.” This initiative is part of the Vice President of NDCC’s Board of Directors outreach effort, in collaboration with Detroit Champions of Hope, a subject matter expert collective committed to addressing health equity through innovative housing solutions.
The series focuses on multi-family housing development as a cornerstone for health equity, recognizing that stable and accessible housing directly impacts community health outcomes. Each session will showcase a model project, tracking its journey from inception to completion, with actionable insights and follow-up discussions on key topics like accessibility, affordability, and community engagement. This collaboration seeks to bridge critical gaps in housing education while empowering communities to create sustainable, health-focused living environments.
By aligning housing initiatives with health equity goals, this effort underscores NDCC’s mission to foster holistic, community-driven solutions that promote well-being and economic resilience.
Dr. Kapilango’s familial history profoundly shaped her identity and commitment to justice, equity, and cultural preservation. A few noted family members include Dr. Paula Francisco Coelho, an Angolan politician who served as the Minister of Environment in Angola starting in 2017. Then there is Luis Miguel Fastudo e Costa, a former professional basketball player known for his contributions to Angolan
basketball. Nathan De Assis was the former copper mind manager for Zambia along with working in financial securities industries and industry rep at United Nations Summits. Her father’s dedication to the Pan-African movement, combined with the resilience of her Angola Portugal family in navigating their complex history, deeply influenced her own drive to honor her heritage and advocate for global equity.
These experiences inform her work as a leader, author, and advocate, bridging the gap between historical legacy and contemporary solutions for underserved communities.
Dr. Kapilango’s lifelong mission is to create spaces where communities can thrive, rooted in the values of dignity, equity, and cultural pride. She is a dynamic force for change, blending visionary leadership with a hands-on approach to make lasting impacts on the communities she serves.
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Rodney S. Archable a native of Baltimore, Maryland. Educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. Received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Towson University. Twenty plus year professional in Banking, Mortgage, Anti-Money Laundering, and Compliance.
Community Reinvestment Act and Certified SCRA (The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) Specialist. Licensed by the State of Maryland and District of Columbia for Life and Health Insurance. Active Notary Public for the State of Maryland. Treasurer for The Million Man March in 1994. Treasurer for William F. Taylor Masonic Lodge No. 57.
Hobbies: Traveling, Cycling, Golfing, Politics, Sports, and Writing
Personal: Married. Four children
Lauren Rosenbaum has a decade of professional experience in strategic communications, coalition management, campaign organizing, community development finance and health policy advocacy. She currently serves as Director of Strategic Partnerships for a national organization committed to achieving high-quality, affordable health care and improved health for all. A resident of Ward 7 in Washington, DC, Lauren is active in local organizing efforts to build community wealth and advance food justice. She is a member-owner, steering committee member and governance committee chair for a cooperative organizing effort focused on building a community-owned grocery store east of the river. She is also a board member for the Kingman Park community garden, where she spearheaded an effort to harvest excess produce grown by garden members for distribution through the Ward 7/8 Mutual Aid Network. As a graduate of NDCC’s Cooperative Academy, Lauren is deeply appreciative of the organization’s work to strengthen the cooperative ecosystem in DC and enthusiastic about contributing to NDCC’s mission.
Amber has over ten years of combined experience in community organizing/advocacy, financial services, community lending, and affordable housing development. She is currently an Associate Development Manager at Enterprise Community Development, an affiliate of Enterprise Community Partners. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Real Estate and Economic Development from University of Baltimore and has a Rental Housing Development Finance Professional (RHDFP) certification from National Development Council.
Ayanna A. King is a native of Pittsburgh, PA and the former CEO for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Virginia Peninsula. She attended the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public & International Affairs (GSPIA) to complete her Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning (M.U.R.P.) with a specialization in State and Local Development and a certification in Non-profit Management. She is the former Director for the Office of Environmental Advocate for Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP). During her tenure, Ayanna organized Pennsylvania’s 1st Statewide Environmental Justice Conference in April 2009, received one of US EPA’s 1st State Environmental Justice Cooperative Agreement, and increased awareness of Environmental Justice by fifty percent within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
She is the founder of the Pittsburgh Transportation Equity Project and the Youth Policy Institute, known as the first African American social justice organization in Pittsburgh, PA. This project was featured in Highway Robbery: Transportation Racism & New Routes to Equity, Chapter six: Transit Activism in Steel Town co-authored by Ayanna A. King and Brian Nogrady, and the author of the article in Race, Poverty, and the Environment Journal Winter 2004/2005: EJ Leading the Way, Why Communities Must Initiate Environmental Research.
Ayanna is a mentor for youth and young professionals, a community development and nonprofit practitioner, and an environmental/social justice advocate who is extremely passionate and conscious about building sustainable Black Communities for Black People .