Commission on the Social Status of African-American Males

M I N U T E S MICHIGAN CITY COMMISSION ON THE SOCIAL STATUS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES Wednesday, January 8, 2014 Commissioners Present: Commissioners Absent: Albertine Allen Geri Jones Joan Ganschow James "Jim" Stemmler Marty Corley Nila Williams Willie Milsap Arthur Payne, Jr. Richard Murphy Faye Moore Lester Norvell Rev. David Ashley (late) Rodney Washington Also Present: Andy Steel- Cameraman MISSION STATEMENT: To identify and recommend public remedies to increase, broaden and improve the economic, educational, social and professional status of the African-American male locally. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at approximately 12:00 pm by Commissioner Arthur Payne, Jr. ROLL CALL: Commissioner Faye Moore called the roll - Minutes reflect attendance and absences. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Payne asked for a motion to accept the minutes. Motion made by Commissioner Nila Williams; seconded Commissioner J. Stemmler. Motion carried. No: Nays TREASURER'S REPORT: None GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Allen Williams – MCAS Safe Harbor Program (running late due to weather) Commissioner A. Payne, Jr.: Happy New Year to everybody. Like to applaud the Mayor and the Sanitation Department and others for getting the streets cleaned of the snow. I was stuck in Gary, but I knew when I returned to Michigan City I would be able to get around. Secretary Report: After reviewing the Ordinances, I learned that we are to complete an Annual Report and present it to City Council at the beginning of each year. Our last Annual Report was done in 2002 by Assistant Director Ta-Ta’nesha D. Clark and secretary for the Commission and the last State Commission Report we received was done in 2009-2010. I have started a report for 2013 and I need each Committee Chair to submit a written report to me as soon as possible before the Third week of February 2014. Please review these pages and make sure your information is correct. (Passed around 2002 report and four pages of 2013 report). Commissioner A. Allen: Nothing at this time, however, I am still looking for new office space. If anyone knows of a facility or space to share an office, please call me at: 879-7632 or email: albertine_allen@yahoo.com. GUEST SPEAKER: Allan Williams – Safe Harbor Program (6 months) Coordinator of Activities. The after school Programs run four (4) days a week from 2:15 pm-5:30 pm and there is an elementary and pre-k drop off at 6:00 am. These programs are not “baby sitting” but there are activities taking place. There is a fee of $5.00 per year for Middle School. (Mr. Williams passed out handouts and brochures)  Students have visited Sullair and been greeted by the CEO and Engineering Director  (5) groups have visited Purdue North Central  Safe Harbor program is 65% participation by African-American students (Barker might be higher)  If you have questions and want to volunteer contact Herb Higgins 873-2026 or Allan Williams 873-2026 ext. 8737. 1  -2- Questions: How is the information distributed to parents? Answer: At the Back to School Rally and at enrollment. Also, call-outs if participation is low. Question: How do the parents know about 21st. Century Program? Answer: Letters are sent out to parents who have students in the 7th grade and they are told during open enrollment of the 21st. Century Program as well as Club Discovery where they can receive help in completing college applications. Question: What is the age group for Leed & Seed? Answer: 6th grade through 8th grade Question: Will the students be celebrating Black History Month? Answer: The date will be announced on the website. Statement: The Boys and Girls Club and Safe Harbor can use more African-American Tutors. All you need is to like working with young people. Presentation was approximately 40 minutes, for more information; please call Mr. Allan at the above number. Commissioner Stemmler: Construction work has slowed down. Apprentice positions will be advertised in Newspaper and at Local 531 Union Hall on Ohio Street, Michigan City. Commissioner Payne: The News Dispatch Publisher, Bill Hackney says he will publish articles monthly for SSAAM. Commissioners get the information to Commissioner Payne and he will forward it to the Newspaper. In February, we will hold election officers – we will take nominations from the floor. Try to allow a little more time for February meeting. Commissioner Ashley: There will be a Martin Luther King Program at 4:30 pm -6 pm at Redeemed Fellowship Church- 7922 W. Pahs Road, M. C. and a Health Care Presentation on “Affordable Health Care Act” immediately following by Donnita Scully. (Nila Williams stated that she is qualified to navigate on the website and her supervisor Lauren Lamb) Commissioner Nila Williams: Three names were submitted to the Mayor for the position of Executive Director. Long time Commissioner Judi Huber passed away, our prayers go out to the family. Commissioner Geri Jones: The sample 2013 report looks like a good start and she will assist in any way to get the report completed. Commissioner Moore: There will be the usual MLK Celebration at PNC on Monday, January 20th at 7:30 am Speaker: Attorney Tony Walker and Entertainment by: Troy Thomas who sounds like MLK, Jr. doing the, “I Have A Dream Speech.” Breakfast will be good as usual. OLD BUSINESS: - none NEW BUSINESS - none Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Allen, seconded by Commissioner Jones. Respectfully Submitted: W. Faye Moore, Secretary The next Michigan City Commission on the Social Status of the African American Males is scheduled for February 12, 2014 at Noon. 2