As an educator for over 20 years at the college and university levels, Dr. Antw-Mensah believed in the power of education and the doors it opens for those who strive to be educated. He had a depth of wisdom and experience that could not be easily dissuaded and transcended time. In 1985, Dr. Antwi-Mensah, a Ghanaian American founded the African American Christian Foundation, in an attempt to help other immigrants who, like himself, had no work experience in the United States and struggled to find jobs. He wanted to help people in similar situation and bring their blight to light. Each year, the Foundation serves over 150 unemployed adults and disadvantaged youth in West Suburban Cook County area through providing educational grants and employment opportunities. He was uncompromisingly honest when he gave his advice and counsel. Dr. Antw-Mensah stood for principle and exemplified the highest standards of altruism. He was unswerving in his commitment to helping others, unapologetic in his determination to use his influence for good, and committed to supporting fairness, justice and equality through education.
Measured as a chief executive, educator, and champion for equal opportunity, or by any standard, Kwadwo Antwi-Mensah was a giant among us. He led the organization by precept and example, imploring the organization’s leadership to never sacrifice principle at the altar of expediency. He was our confidant, and our best friend. Our organization owes a permanent debt of gratitude to this warrior, fearless leader, and mentor. In addition to advocacy for job creation within low income communities. In 2013, in addition to advocating for job creation within low income communities, the AACF took on the mission of advocating for a thriving Ghanaian community and the organizational preservation of the Ghanaian culture in Illinois in honor of our founder.