Commission on the Social Status of African-American Males

MICHIGAN CITY COMMISSION ON THE SOCIAL STATUS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN MALES Mr. Arthur Payne Ms. Joan Ganschow Ms La’Tonya Troutman Mr. Marty Corley Chairman Vice-Chairman Secretary Treasurer MINUTES WEDNESDAY, November 14, 2019 Noon- City Hall West Conference Room Commissioners Present: Commissioners Absent: Willie Milsap-Swanson Center Ms. La’ Tonya Troutman-NAACP. Walter Tony Cox Joan Ganschow –Mayor Appt -Sick Arthur Payne, Jr. –Mayor Appt. Nila Williams- Council Appt. Lester Norvell –Mayor Appt. Rev. Damon Carnes Rev. Dr. Dennis Carroll-Human Rights Dept. Felice Kelly – H.O.P.E. Albertine Allen Minority Health Gene Simmons –Common Council Liaison Tracie Tillman Marty Corley Quorum of 9 Also Present: Andy Steel – Cameraman Mrs. W. Faye Moore Kenneth Fly – Fly High Youth Services 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. Approval of Minutes: • The secretary was absent. There were no minutes and no agenda at this time. Congratulations to new Council Lady, Tracie Tillman. Treasurer’s Report (Marty Corley) o Written report handed out from January 10, 2019 – August 6, 2019 o Ending Balance: $2,475.92 o Funds pending Indianapolis Trip Commissioner Arthur Payne, Jr. – • African Garden – First Source Bank is reviewing our grant request. This request will be heard at the November 22, 2019 board meeting. Mr. Payne will check in two weeks for results of this grant. 1  • Friendship Gardens is having an event: Native American Celebration Day Turkey Walk- November 28, 2019 – 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. –FREE- 2055 East US HWY 12 • Also an event in December 2019 Commissioner Walter Tony Cox • This was my first time experiencing a small town election, very interesting. • Was pleased with the outcome of the City Council. Was glad to see Pastor Damon Carnes in the race. Commissioner Rev. Dr. Dennis Carroll, Sr. • I felt Pastor Carnes did well in the race. Commissioner Albertine Allen • Two Lead Workers have been hired – Tommy, formerly from Michigan City • Dan Keane –Lead Hazard Control Project Manager (219) 873-1419 Ext. 2101 – Facilitating educational Workshops and training on how to clean-up lead • Pipeline replacement is the City responsibility – Contact Mike Kuss • Federal government has provided 2,000 lead hazard control swabs. Commissioner Tracie Tillman • Now that I am 5th Ward, I would like to stay on the Social Status Commission. • Still working on the Barbershop Fatherhood Initiative. • Working on getting information of the process for “Foreclosures”. A list is kept at the County Courthouse on foreclosed houses, when and where the Tax Sales will take place. I would like to bring someone to the SSAAM meeting to give accurate information on how a resident can put in a bid for “foreclosed house.” • An article was published in the Michigan City Newspaper on Tracie’s Initiative and the State Child Support Office would like for this program duplicated throughout the state. Commissioner Marty Corley • Twenty-eight kids signed up for the trip to Indianapolis – only 8 showed up • Thanks to Horizon Bank and IBE (Indiana Black Expo) –Assistance in paying for the bus • Fatherhood March – Nila Williams and I have been talking about a First Day of School and possibly something at the end of school. Maybe a picnic on May 27, 2020 at 4:30 pm. The march would be from City Hall to the YMCA. Marty has already spoken to Senator Milton to be the keynote speaker. He will end letters out at a later date with all the information. Acting Secretary Faye Moore – • NAACP meeting will be November 21, 2019 (Third Thursday) at IVY TECH • Question- When will election of officers take place? Election of officers will take place in 2020 • There will be a Vibrant Community meeting Monday, Nov. 18 at Blue Chip from 6-8 pm For more information go to: www.Vibrant LP County.org Commissioner Lester Norvell 2  • I enjoyed the trip to Indianapolis, along with Rev. Ronnie Gaston and the Muhammad Brother. The numbers were not there, but it was a quality program and the kids really enjoyed it and the numbers will increase. Commissioner Gene Simmons – • I like to congratulate Tracie Tillman, Michael Mack and Angie Deutsch on getting elected to City Council. I feel a lot will be accomplished in the next four years. Commissioner Willie Milsap – • In 2020 will be historic for Michigan City with six African-American Council Members (4) males and (2) females. Mr. Fly has a program that he would like to distribute his fliers and talk about. Visitor: Mr. Kenneth Fly – S.O.A.R. Fly High Youth Services, INC. Passed out brochure Contact information: Founder - Kenneth Fly, Sr. – kennyflysr@gmail.com or (219) 210- 6011. Have 100 turkeys for the less fortunate and they will be given out at Michigan City Housing Authority Community Center on 6th & Michigan Blvd. You must have a child in school and the giveaway will be November 19th. I have an Enrichment Grant that is due November 30, 2019 and I need someone to assist me in getting it complete. Commissioner Albertine Allen offered her assistance. Recently we received a bus to assist in transportation for the kids. S.O.A.R. allows up to 30 students to participate in scheduled group sessions for 3 months with their mentors, who have overcome some of the same obstacles. S.O.A.R. Need Mentors. Please contact Kenneth Fly. 3