Sankofaonline News Desk: October 13, 2025.
Today, the Ghanaian community in Chicago and beyond pauses in profound sadness to mark a day of mourning and celebration for a life lived beautifully and quietly. The announcement of the passing of Ms. Evelyn Arko Mensah, issued by the Asantefuohene of Chicago, Nana Abayie (Nana Kwame Frimpong), rings with deep sorrow for a community that has lost one of its most invaluable, yet humble, pillars of service.
Evelyn, whose sunrise was in February 1973 and sunset came in September 2025, embodied the timeless wisdom: “empty barrels make the most noise.” While many seek the spotlight, Evelyn was the ‘full barrel’, a quiet, soft-spoken powerhouse who preferred to work in the background, letting the results of her tireless efforts speak for themselves.
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An Accountant of Integrity, A Leader of Quiet Reform
Evelyn Arko Mensah served the Ghanaian community with the precision of an accountant and the selfless dedication of a true patriot. Her impact was most deeply felt within the leadership of the prestigious Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago (GNC), where she represented the Asanteman Association of Chicago and the Midwest.
As a former Treasurer of the GNC, Evelyn was a force of quiet reform. She and others championed and implemented the use of QuickBooks to ensure the Council’s financial records were maintained with the utmost professionalism and transparency. She brought order and integrity to the GNC’s treasury department, establishing systems that benefited the entire community.
Her leadership philosophy was marked by genuine concern and respect. She never sought to publicly tear others down, preferring instead to address any shortcomings privately with executive members, a testament to her grace and commitment to unity.
Evelyn was also a devoted member of the Chicago Ghanaian Seventh-Day Adventist Church .
The Fearless Leader of a Generational Mission
Evelyn’s commitment extended far beyond the GNC. Following the passing of her father, Dr. Kwadwo Antwi-Mensah, she assumed the demanding role of Executive Director of the African American Christian Foundation (AACF), all while continuing her regular professional career.
The AACF is a trauma-informed community-based organization dedicated to transforming lives through innovative workforce development. Evelyn drove the mission to equip low-income residents of Cook County, including youth aged 16 to 24 and adults with barriers to employment, with job skills, economic opportunities, and communal stability.
Under her direction, the AACF served as a lifeline, creating meaningful career pathways for individuals by providing job training, paid internships, counseling, and vital supportive services, including housing and mental wellness care. Evelyn’s legacy here is a tapestry of 200 adolescents and young adults empowered annually , families moved towards financial stability, and a stronger, more inclusive Chicago workforce.
Willie’s Warrior: A Chicago Legacy of Empowerment
Evelyn’s fearless dedication to empowering the marginalized was formally recognized in 2022 when The Chicago Foundation for Women selected her to participate in their leadership initiative, Willie’s Warriors.
Described as a “fearless Executive Director,” Evelyn joined this intense, self-actualization cohort founded upon the legacy of the great civil rights activist, Reverend Willie T. Barrow. As a Willie’s Warrior, Evelyn joined a generational movement of outstanding women leaders who support one another in continuing the fight for the economic and health empowerment of women and girls in our communities.
Join Us in Celebrating a Life Well-Lived
Today, the Ghanaian community, from the Asona and Breto abusua to the Asanteman Association and the Ghana National Council, joins together to bid farewell to this invaluable soul. Although she is gone, the memory of her quiet strength, her generosity, and the powerful systems she established will continue to benefit our community for years to come.
All are cordially invited to pay their last respects:
| Event | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memorial Service | Sunday, November 2, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | West Central SDA Church, 1154 Wisconsin Ave., Oak Park, IL 60304 |
| Burial Service | Sunday, November 2, 2025 | 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Woodlawn Memorial Park, 7750 W. Cermak Road, Forest Park, IL 60130 |
Dress Code: Black
Note: There will be NO Ghanaian Traditional Funeral Service after the memorial.
We pray for Evelyn’s family and urge all community members to come and celebrate the life of this full barrel of service, a woman who truly lived her mission: Educate. Inspire. Change.
