WHO IS ALICKA AMPRY SAMUEL?
Born Alicka Ampry to School Safety Agent Ernestine Turner and the late community activist Ahlee Loktu Ampry; Alicka is a vibrant leader and product of the Brownville community. Alicka and her only brother attended New York City public schools during their primary years in the Mill Basin section of Brooklyn after their parents deliberated over where and how their children would receive the best education. Due to a then shortage of funding and resources allocated to the Brownsville schools; Alicka’s parents decided to send her to parochial school. Alicka graduated from St. Michael Academy for girls where she displayed a true knack for leadership. Alicka was the freshman and sophomore class representative in Student Council and became the Student Council Treasurer. During graduation, Alicka was presented with the Presidential Award For Academic Excellence signed by President William Clinton as well as the school’s Golden Seal for academic excellence. While attending high school, Alicka became employed as an after school tutor for the Ocean Hill Brownsville Tenant Association. Alicka helped spearhead the development of OHBT's tutorial program after recognizing the need for young children to influence other young children. Alicka witnessed the program transform from just a basement space in her very own building to a fully funded program equipped with computers, books and other valuable resources.
Both Alicka and her brother went on to attend Historical Black Colleges. While her brother graduated from Lincoln University, Alicka went on to attend North Carolina A & T State University where she continued to display her leadership skills and talents as well as advocating for people without a voice. Alicka worked for Project Reach working with Greensboro’s homeless and substance abuse population. Alicka worked with the highly controversial needle exchange program while giving workshops on safe sex. During this time, Alicka was an active member of the National Black Child Development Institute. The Black Child Development Institute provided tutorial services and mentoring programs for children in the community. Alicka always understood the educational needs of our children and became an advocate for better schools and increased funding in the inner cities. While attending A & T as a full time student, Alicka worked full time first as an Activity Assistant at the Green Haven Nursing Home then as a Certified Nursing Assistant. This gave Alicka the opportunity to work with another population in our society becoming voiceless. Alicka received the Woolworth Leadership Award for her dedication and commitment to leadership in the Greensboro community.
After graduating from North Carolina A&T as the Senior Class President, Alicka moved back to New York in 1998 and began her professional career in advocacy. Alicka immediately went to work for the mentally ill homeless population of New York City. Alicka worked on a mobile street team engaged in outreach work at Project Reachout, the oldest outreach program in New York State. Alicka appeared on an NBC special by Gabe Pressman titled “The Homeless and the Holidays”. Alicka was interviewed by Mr. Pressman and walked him through New York City's Central Park talking to the homeless population during the Thanksgiving holiday season. Alicka went on to become a discharge planner on a newly opened mentally ill psychiatric unit. Alicka set up the discharge planning program and helped establish relationships between the hospital and community based organizations. Alicka worked for the New York City Administration For Children’s Services as a Child Protective Specialist; working in a Field Office then on to the Office of Confidential Investigations where she kept track of children who were unfortunately removed from the home and were supposed to be safe in the care of the City Agency. Alicka also worked as a Legislative Aide to a City Councilwoman. After working with the City Council, Alicka realized the need for more lawyers in the community. Alicka realized that in order to effect change and adequately represent the community, leaders should know the law and understand how to interpret and articulate them.
Alicka went on to attend CUNY School of Law which train lawyers for the field of Public Interest. CUNY’s mission is Law in the Service of Human of Need. The name ALICKA means “defender and helper of mankind”. What better law school to attend?
Alicka also served as one the youngest members of the New York State Democratic Committee representing the 55th Assembly District in Brooklyn, New York. During this time Alicka's responsibilities and duties were to select county committee members who convene to designate judges and fill immediate vacancies of elected officials. She appointed poll site inspectors during election time while mobilizing support for Democratic candidates. As a District Leader, Alicka had the opportunity to meet with various community leaders representing Planning Boards, Community School Boards, Precinct Councils as well as community based organizations. Together with the community, Alicka discussed ways to improve the community while developing strategies in finding ways to inform the constituents about pertinent information.
Alicka has worked with the mentally ill homeless population, senior citizens within residential facilities, children and families within the child welfare agency, government, political organizations as well as civil rights attorneys. Alicka has the experience needed to effect change.
Alicka is currently married to Captain Kalonji Samuel who is currently serving active duty in the United States Army. They met at North Carolina A & T State University. Captain Samuel has a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and now serves as a Detachment Commander in a Finance Battalion. Captain Samuel served this country proudly during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
ALICKA IS A BORN LEADER WITH EXPERIENCE, COMPASSION, DETERMINATION AND INTELLECT.
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