“Mama” Joy Chatel

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania July 28, 1947, Thelma Frances Monroe, also known as Joy Maria Monroe Lee Jones Kaffaga Chatel, always known as “Mama Joy” was a community activist, cosmetologist and small business owner who led a grassroots movement to preserve the abolitionist history of downtown Brooklyn.

Mama Joy Sounded the Alarm Bell to Preserve Downtown Brooklyn’s Rich Black History
Most known for her tireless activism in the community, Mama Joy left behind a legacy of triumphs. In 2007, she succeeded in preserving her home against a NYC Economic Development Corporation’s plan to destroy her home via eminent domain. The EDC wanted to demolish the historic site to create a micro-park and underground parking lot.

Because of Mama Joy’s fierce advocacy, the home of prominent Abolitionists Thomas and Harriet Truesdell, still stands today.

Mama Joy was a member of FUREE since 2004 and elected to the board in 2009, taking a special interest in unfair zoning and irresponsible development. Over the years, she held the office of Title I chair and PTA President in Brooklyn’s districts 13 and 22 and received countless awards in advocacy and leadership.

“I continue to be inspired and energized by Mama Joy’s selfless dedication to Brooklyn’s Underground Railroad history,” said Public Advocate Letitia James. “I will strive to carry her spirit onward.”

One of the ways Mama Joy radiated her vibrant spirit was through cultural arts and performance. She designed costumes and worked in the film industry both behind and in front of the camera. Mama Joy was one of the lead elders and drummer for Congo Square Prospect Park Drummers. She would frequently visit Djoniba’s Studio with all of her grandchildren in tow for her son Lamine’s Sabar dance class.

Mama Joy passed away peacefully at Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, NY on January 8, 2014 after a battle with respiratory disease.

She is survived by her mother, Arnelda Monroe, three children: Shawné Joy Lee, Kurtis Keith Lee, and Harvey Edward Jones; brother Thomas “Bubby” Monroe, sister Angela Rene’ Monroe, Son-in-law Sefu Seales, Daughter-in-law Yoshi Reynolds Jones, 13 grandchildren: Nyemba Seales, Kurtis, Lee, Shawne’ Joy Lee, Aaron Lee, Zephaniah Seales, Mathew Lee, Harvey Edward Jones Jr, Japheth Jones, Alyasa Seales, Isaiah Lee, Katelyn Lee, Joshua Lee, Elijah Lee, four great-grandchildren: Kaishawn Mitchell, Aminah Sinye Romani Seales, Malakhi Jelani Seales, Kamyah Seales; numerous uncles, aunts & cousins, Stepchildren and Spiritual Sons & Daughters too countless to name. Her love extended to include the entire African-American community that was blessed with her years as a powerful matriarch with an infectious love for family and young people. Her spirit extends to all of humanity.

She would often say that the history of 227 Abolitionist Place was not hers alone, but that it belonged to the whole world and it was her wish to share it.

Sources: Shawné Lee & Family & Our Times Press