Throughout the month of April for Diversity Month, we will be highlighting some amazing individuals in our community that are spearheading diversity, equity, and inclusion causes and initiatives, as well as business leaders and owners with diverse backgrounds. Next, we spoke to Tony Brooks, Director of the Wilkes-Barré Preservation Society and Curator of the Zebulon Butler House Museum.

Learn more about Tony in our Q&A below! 
 
Q: I am inspired to be a leader in our community because…
A: To honor the community accomplishments of past leaders. I am inspired by the men and women who have come before me. We honor their legacies by remembering we stand on shoulders of greatness.
 
Q: I am most excited to accomplish what through my diversity, equity, and inclusion community work…
A: Honored by my City Council colleagues’ 5 to 0 unanimous vote to pass a Non-discrimination Ordinance for the City of Wilkes-Barre.
 
Q: Three words to describe yourself…
A: Honest, humble, and humorous.
 
Q: My greatest achievement to date is…
A: Saving the Irem Temple and the oldest house in Wilkes-Barre, the Zebulon Butler House, from demolition.
 
Q: Five years from now, I will be…
A: Continue to represent my neighbors on Wilkes-Barre City Council, continue to work in the historic preservation field and produce more “Diamond City: Trail of History” videos on YouTube.
 
Q: Best advice you’ve received…
A: To think critically about issues – do not let the government think for you, do not let an ideology think for you, do not let a religion think for you – think for yourself to find solutions.
 
Q: Favorite activity in NEPA…
A: Walking in the woods with our dogs by our Pocono cabin.