Ashland resident Makeda Keegan was recognized with the 2022 Black Excellence award as part of the Black Excellence on the Hill event, Feb. 28. The event, hosted annually by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC), commemorates Black community leaders and trailblazers that are moving the needle forward in cities and towns across our Commonwealth. 

“It is such an honor to be nominated by Representative Lewis for this award,” Makeda said. “I’m grateful to be a part of such a distinguished cohort of community activists. Many thanks to the MBLLC for this uplifting event; it was incredible to see all of the great work and positive energy Black and Latino leaders are bringing to their cities and towns in the Commonwealth.”

“Makeda’s work, while stretched far and wide in the communities she serves, is not stretched thin,” Rep. Lewis said. “She truly works hard to connect public service, policy, and technology to make our community a better place. Thank you for all that you do Makeda!”

Keegan has used her Ph.D. from Northeastern University to focus on how the convergence of public service, public policy, and technology can provide educational and economic opportunities for all. She currently serves as the president of the board of directors of Amplify, a nationwide non-profit dedicated to creating and supporting BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, women, disabled, and neurodivergent leaders in technology. 

Keegan also served as a co-chair of Ashland’s Democratic Town Committee where she worked to engage more young people and people from diverse backgrounds to participate in the political process regardless of their political affiliation. She has worked with the Ashland racial equity study group to examine ways to ensure that Ashland is an open and welcoming community for all, and is on the board of directors of the Ashland Cable Corporation, WACA-TV. She also served for seven years as a Human Rights Commissioner in her hometown of Newton, Mass., and on the executive board of the Newton Schools Foundation.