March 3, 2022 Submitted by the Office of Rep. Joan Meschino
On the last day of Black History Month, Hingham resident Emmanuel (Manny) Oppong received recognition from the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus during the Caucus’ 2022 Black Excellence on the Hill event. Mr. Oppong was nominated to receive this recognition by State Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) for his commitment and dedication to bettering the Commonwealth, both within Hingham and on a larger scale.
As a Board Member and Steering Committee Member on the Hingham Unity Council (HUC), Mr. Oppong is an active and impactful voice on the council's leadership team. He has moderated several "community talk" events hosted by the Council on race and issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community, navigating complex topics with grace and an eye toward inclusion. Through his involvement in these events and the council, he continues to elevate marginalized voices in the local community and foster critical dialogue among those with different perspectives.
In his professional roles, Mr. Oppong has always worked for the benefit of others in the Commonwealth. He received his LICSW from Simmons, and later studied Human Services Leadership and Public Management at Suffolk University through a fellowship with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. He has worked extensively in inpatient facilities, outpatient therapy, emergency services, and government, including at the Department of Children and Families. Mr. Oppong has a demonstrated passion for clinical work, and he has always prioritized the protection of the health and well-being of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable populations. Now, as the Vice President of Riverside Community Care, he continues this critical work and builds upon over a decade of experience in clinical and management expertise.
Mr. Oppong is also a passionate soccer player and an excellent coach to young people. In addition to all of these roles, he is a husband and father of three elementary age sons.
“The effects of Emmanuel Oppong’s extraordinary leadership, both professionally and personally, have been felt by many in Hingham and in the Commonwealth at large,” said State Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull). “His work to advocate for, protect, and uplift marginalized communities has not gone unnoticed, and I congratulate Mr. Oppong on this well-deserved recognition.”
The 2022 Black Excellence on the Hill event is hosted annually by the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus to commemorate Black Community leaders and trailblazers that are moving the needle forward in cities and towns across the state. This year's keynote speaker was Dr. Jaykyri Simpson, Executive Director of Young Man with a Plan.
State Representative Joan Meschino represents the communities of Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, and North Scituate. Rep. Meschino, her Chief of Staff, and her Director of Constituent Services and Communications can be reached at the State House at 617-722-2320 or by email atJoan.Meschino@MAHouse.gov. To learn more about Rep. Meschino’s constituent services and legislative work, please visit www.JoanMeschino.com.
Mr. Oppong was a bright light at the too often troubled DCF. He strove to sensibly support families with clarity about the issues and struggles they faced as well as compassion. This is a well deserved recognition.