Yumeka Brown is a proud native of the Roseland community and the Southland of Chicago.  She currently resides in Matteson with her husband Corey and son Kahlil.  

 

A simple notion to get more involved in the community and a push from her brother led her to run for office in December 2016.  Yumeka was elected as Village Clerk in April 2017.  As Clerk, she is the keeper of municipal records, custodian of the corporate seal, serves as the local election official, processes Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and issues special events permits and business licenses. While serving as Clerk, Yumeka saw more opportunities to contribute to the improvement of her community.  She became involved in the Rich Township Democratic Organization, where she is currently serving as President.  Yumeka spearheads an annual Coat and Vote Drive and a Back to School/Stay in School rally geared towards motivating, encouraging, and preparing the youth as they start the new school year.  

 

Yumeka is a 2020 graduate of the Illinois Women in Leadership training academy (iWILTA).

 

Yumeka is employed as a Program Officer for the Freedom to Read Foundation and the Office of Intellectual Freedom at the American Library Association.  She loves her job because she is given the opportunity to work with intellectual freedom fighters to protect and defend the first amendment of the Constitution by supporting the right for all individuals to have access to information.  

 

Yumeka holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice along with 20 years of non-profit experience.  Growing up in a community affected by the War on Drugs, she witnessed families torn apart due to drug addictions and incarceration.  This along with her work in the nonprofit sector ignited her desire and passion to “give back”. 

 

In Yumeka’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, singing karaoke, dancing, and reading.