Black Star Restorative initiative
Meet The board
Nathan adu-gyamfi
Board Member
Nathan Adu-Gyamfi is a theologian, social justice advocate, and the founder of I AM BLACK Ministry, which seeks to reconnect, reconcile, and resource Black and African people through a renewed cultural and spiritual identity. He is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Luther Seminary and has experience in pastoral ministry, leadership development, and theological education. ​
Dee Balentine
Board Member
Dee Balentine is a licensed realtor with extensive experience in the property management industry. Known for her creativity and organized vision, she has been instrumental in elevating organizations to new levels of success. Beyond real estate, Dee is deeply committed to community impact as the co-founder of Drew's K.I.C.K.S. (Keeping It in the Community for Kids), a Minnesota based nonprofit dedicated to providing brand-new sneakers to children in need in urban communities.
maya beecham
Board Secretary
Maya Beecham has led a 20+ year cross-sector career in non-profit, philanthropy and state government. She has held a range of positions in grantmaking, development, education, and the arts at Youthprise, Bush Foundation, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, and Planned Parenthood North Central States. Currently, she works at The Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation as Program Director - Economic Ecosystem. Her passion lies in developing strategic partnerships, collaboration, and community engagement for the purpose of engaging, advancing and supporting communities of color. Beecham serves as a board member for Urban Hope Ministries, and The Lighthouse. She also serves as an advisory board member for the Minnesota STEM Partnership. Additionally, Beecham spends her free time as a collage artist and writer.
denise king, d. min
Board Treasurer
Dr. Denise King, D.Min, is the president of Harvest Management Group. She has more than 25 years of experience with fortune 500 Companies serving a variety of roles in information technology. She is an international traveler and has been pastoring for more than 17 years. She has received numerous honors including The Heritage Who’s Who of Professional and Business Women (2006) and the International Who’s Who of Professional and Business Women (2006, 2000).
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rev. paulette sankofa, ed.d
Board Chair
Rev. Paulette Sankofa, Ed.D., is an Ordained Elder in the AME Church, and Founder of Aging Well Renaissance providing publications and programming on aging well. She received her Doctorate of Education from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota.
richard d. terrell
Board Member
Richard Terrell is an educational leader, pastor, community and youth advocate. He has dedicated his life educating, empowering, encouraging, and motivating individuals in his community and beyond.
Talaya l. tolefree, d. min
Founder and Executive Director
Non-Voting Board Member
Dr. Tolefree is a Restorative Practices Practitioner, her work focuses on implementing restorative practices across sectors, including schools, youth legal system, maternal health, and community organizations, Dr. Tolefree is involved with a number of Restorative Practices initiatives focusing on healing, youth development, social, racial and educational justice.
