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, October 10, 2018 Commissioners Present: Commissioners Absent: Lester Norvell Mario Rosa -Resigned Willie Millsap Marty Corley Rev. Damon Carnes (A/E) Faye Moore Arthur Payne Sean Fitzpatrick Gene Simmons Nila Williams Joan Ganschow Rev. Dennis Carroll Rae Isbell Also Present: Andy Steel- Cameraman Guest Speaker: Ernest Collier –Motivational Speaker “Derelict of Duty – Call to Arms” Sergio Kochergin – Organized & United Residents of Michigan City 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 12:04 pm by Commissioner Arthur Payne, Jr. ROLL CALL: Commissioner W. Faye Moore called the roll - Minutes reflect attendance and absences. We had a quorum of 11 present at time of roll call. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Payne asked for a motion to accept the minutes. Motion made by Commissioner Rev. Dennis Carroll and seconded by Commissioner Willie Milsap. Motion carried. OLD BUSINESS: a. African Garden The request for $2,500 to start the garden at Friendship Gardens by Beachside will go before the Board of Works for approval for payment at Monday’s Board of Works meeting. 1 b. Commissioner Rae Isbell Resignation – Commissioner Isbell read her letter of resignation, because she has relocated to Memphis, TN. (Letter given to City Clerk and a copy handed to each Commissioner.) TREASURER’S REPORT: Ending Balance: $11,449.03 (Commissioner Corley explained that we were $100 off in February. That was because of a check received from Purdue North Central in the amount of $100.) Pending: MCBL: $ 500.00 Beachside$2,500.00 Balance: $8,449.03 Question: What does MCBL stand for? Answer: Michigan City Basketball League – In the past we have sponsored up to $2,000. This year they only requested $500.00. Motion made by Commissioner Lester Norvell to accept the Treasurer’s report. Motion seconded by Commissioner Gene Simmons. Motion carried. Commissioner Corley stated that next Tuesday is the Social Status 18th Annual Black Mal State Conference in Indianapolis. He is requesting a Chartered bus to take thirty (30) male students to this conference. He has a Counselor at Michigan City High School along with the previous students who attended too announce this Conference. He checked with MCHS for a bus, but they are short drivers and could only offer two small busses with no drivers. He has checked and can do this trip for $1730.00, which would include meals and conference fees for (30) youth and two chaperones. He has already paid his Conference Fees. It is $15.00 per student. The two chaperons are Brandon Williams and Isaac Moore. If Commissioners want to attend Mr. Jarrett will invoice the M. C. Social Status Commission after the Conference or you can pay at the Conference. Commissioner Milsap made the motion to approve $1730.00. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Gene Simmons. There was approximately 10-15 minute discussion. The motion passed after the discussion. The bus will be leaving at $4:30 a.m. and return around 6:30 p.m. GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Ernest Collier – Motivational Speaker (Available) “Derelict of Duty – Call to Arms Phone: 219-561-9100 email: ernestcollier7@gmail.com Mr. Collier is an ex-offender. He was released this year 6-02-2018 and has started this business. He gave his testimony and his objective is to show young people that they have alternatives to Prison. (2) He feels with his past street experiences and prison experience, he can relate to the youth on the streets. (3) He feels his age is a factor and he can show young males how to be a son and a father or big brother. He can show them how to do things different that what his choices were because they were inappropriate. (4) He is here for exposure and to assist us with programs that we have that involve youth. 2 Commissioner Payne suggests he meet with Commissioner Corley, Ganschow and Fritzpatrick after we are off the air. GUEST SPEAKER SERGIO KOCHENGN – His program has changed their name from PARC to OUR M.C. Organized & United Residents of Michigan City. A. Sergio told us about an incident that took place the other night on Franklin Street near Walgreens & Best Karate – Children were playing near the Karate Shop and the Police were called. He felt the Police would not have been called if they were “White”, however, they were, “Black” children. Sergio felt the Police response was negative and that the Karate Shop Owner had called because of his body language, and they was he was talking to the children. Sergio implied that because there are few places for young people to hang out is the reason the children were playing in front of the Karate Shop. He feels the City is putting all their money into the wrong type of projects and no enough for our youth. Other Commissioners talked about Michigan City and how their parents told them how to talk to Police, but young people today do not do that. There was approximately fifteen minutes of discussion on “yester year” vs. young people today. There was talk about capitalism. B. There will be an event October 20, 2018 – Migrant Families at PARC building on Franklin Street. Flyers will be out with more details. It will be in the papers and on the radio. Michigan City has plenty of Parks for the youth. The youth do not seem to be involved in the planning. Today’s’ youth play mostly with electronics, video games, cell phones and tablets. It was suggested that some of his ideas be taken to the Redevelopment Commission Meetings and Economic Development. This Commission is not the Commission to work on those areas. Commissioner Willie Milsap – Economics Work One on 8th & Wabash is not been utilized. Please, if you are looking for jobs go to Work One. Please see Monica Thomas- Bring your ID. Commissioner Rev. Dennis Carroll – Human Rights Rep. Mr. Hubert Morgan- - Facilitator for “Your Michigan City Plaza” – Held a session at St. John’s Church Tuesday, October 9 at 6p.m. It was very interesting. Commissioner Sean Fritzpatrick – Labor Lead testing is still being completed in Michigan City. The Committee is looking for more ways to reach the residents in the community. They are looking forward to testing pre-k kids. Churches and Day Cares can contact the Mayor’s Office for more information and the County Health Department. (2) “You Should Run” group is having “A Get Out and Vote” Event at the “YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL SIGN –Saturday- October 27, 2018 and they are requesting $425 from the Commission to help with this event. They still need insurance and a few other incidentals. 3 There were about ten minute discussions, even asking Commissioner Moor, what is the NAACP doing to help get the people out to vote. Motion was made by Commissioner Marty Corley to donate the $425. Motion seconded by Commissioner Simmons with the statement that we need everyone to get out and vote. Marty stated this event is taking place across the street from the courthouse and the courthouse will be open for early voting. Commissioner Fritzpatrick stated there will be free food, music and plenty to do at the event. Motion carried. Nila Williams, Opposed also, this is a non-partisan group. Commissioner Joan Ganschow – Criminal Justice October 2-5, 2018 ICJA (Indiana Criminal Justice Association) held its Annual State Conference at Blue Chip for the last time. It was determined that Blue Chip is not an appropriate venue for Correctional Staff. Michigan City Cookie Factory is hiring –pay $9.00 an hour. Your Michigan City Plaza conversation will be held at 201 E. Garfield St. - October 15 8:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. –Social Learning Center -Open to the Public Commissioner Nila Williams (Healthlinc) – Health Committee Chair “Shatter to Myths – October 23, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Panel. Sean will be on the panel. Please encourage people to attend; it is open to the public at Marsh School. October 18, 2018 – “Pamper Yourself” fliers passed out- Women and men – Free Testing - mammograms (if you qualify) and other activities. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Healthlinc downstairs. Commissioner Rae Isbell – H.O.P.E. Saturday – October 17, 2018 -2:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m. There will be a Democratic Candidate Forum at H.O.P.E. Commissioner Marty Corley – Neighborhoods Don’t forget Commissioners, if you want to go Tuesday – We will be leaving at 4:30 a.m. – October 16, 2018 Commissioner W. Faye Moore – NAACP FREE Workshop for all NWI citizens to learn how we can END GERRYMANDERING IN INDIANA – Saturday-October 20, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – PNW Dworkin Center- Westville, Indiana RSVP www.evenbrite.com/e/end-gerrymandering-in-indiana-tickets. Sponsored by League of Women Voters of the Calumet Area & League of Women Voters of La Porte County Local 150 Apprenticeship applications will be available in November –District 7: 2193 W. 84th PL. Merrillville, IN 46410-Nov. 6 & Nov,. 28th 12pm-5pm-(1) At least 18 yrs. Old (2) H. S. graduate or GED need Transcript (3) Resident of Local 150 (4) Valid Driver’s License (5) 4 Statement from doctor –good health 30 days after accepted into program.(6) Undergo drug testing. Commissioner Arthur Payne, Jr.-Chair Fund Raising Committee need to meet next week. Commissioner Corley will chair the committee. Please send Commissioner Corley your email addresses and your availability. Motion to adjourn by Lester Norvell and seconded by Joan Ganschow at approximately 1:02 p.m. All Commission meetings can be seen on www.accesslaportecounty.org M. C. Social Status African American Males 2018 NEXT MEETING: December 12, 2018 at Noon – City Hall West Conference Room 5