Commission on the Social Status of African-American Males

MICHIGAN CITY COMMISSION ON THE SOCIAL STATUS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN MALES --------------------------------------- Mr. Arthur Payne, Jr. Ms. Joan Ganschow Ms. LaTonya Troutman Mr. Marty Corley Chairman Vice-Chairman Secretary Treasurer Happy New Year!! Meeting called to order at noon. Roll call Roll call was taken with a quorum of 9. Others in attendance Mayor Duane Parry Council President Sean Fitzpatrick, Human Rights Director, Ta-Tanesha George Congrats to all on your new positions!! Also to the new 5th Ward Representative, Tracie Tillman and the Re-Election of Representative Gene Simmons Review of Minutes A review of the minutes was done. Motion made to approve with a change of date from 2019 to 2020 minutes by Walter Cox, seconded by Willie Milsap. All in Favor I’s- 9 nays-0 Treasurer’s Report The ending balance is $2,475.92 with a pending transaction for -$155.00 for the 2019 Black Males Annual Conference. The total will then be $2,320.92 Motion to accept the treasurer’s report made by Walter Cox. Seconded by Lester Norvell All in Favor I’s-9 Nay’s-0 Old Business African Gardens Applications were sent to the Banks for assistance outreach to these banks will resume soon to prepare. Black Barbershop Initiative Kick-off Initiative in Indianapolis will be Wednesday, April 1st, 2020 State Social Status along with Virgil Giles will assist with Transportation Inquire with organizations or any Barbershops to see if males would be interested in going. Work will begin soon on the Local Barbershop Initiative. Needs Medical Assistance and/or Nurses to assist with blood draws. Black History Month Committee Meeting soon to discuss activities and sponsorship letters and themes, calendars. Mr. Williams will not be able to do our Black History Display due to His Health Health. Securing the Keynote speaker. We have 20 different events throughout the month of February. Seeking youth to open events and seek commissioner participation mainly but donations are appreciated. Youth Leadership Council Our appointee, Travis Lenoir has resigned from Council. Youth Council requests immediate replacement appointees to serve the remainder of the term. Social Status Commission seeks someone that would maintain participation and would want to stay on the council. To show commitment. Interested students must be between 16 -22 must attend the next Commission meeting on Jan 22. Any interested student or any student recommendations should be sen to the secretary. Students view Harriet Naacp and social status collaborated to see Harriet. 73 students were taken NAACP gave 517.50 Secretary gave 222.00 Formal vote fo fund viewing was not voted on in December meeting due to non-official non-voting meeting status at the theme of the request for funding was after November meeting and the original date was before December meeting date. Total for 73 students with popcorn and drink included was 739.70 Motion made by Walter to reimburse Secretary $222 for Harriet. Joan Ganschow made a donation to the NAACP Motion 2nded by Willie Milsap All in Favor I’s-9 Nay’s -0 Annual Report Time to prepare annual reports. Annual report due to the City Council by March. Any working committee should send any reports to the Secretary by the end of the month. Secretary will reach out to Faye Moore for Annual Report Formatting. Commissioners did not receive a copy of last year’s annual report although it was filed with the clerk’s office. Annual Reports will be given to commissioners for approval. Fundraising committee The fundraising committee will meet to discuss fundraising efforts Concerns expressed about financing raised by Commission Williams. Consider preparing an Annual Expense Report to determine fundraising goals. Commissioner’s Attendance Attendance to meetings is important. A review of all attendance for the last 12 months will be completed. Commissioners missing 3 or more meetings will receive a letter to encourage participation and consideration. Census Census Representative reached out to share job opportunities in the region as well as the importance of African Americans being counted in the 2020 Census. For job opportunities go to 2020Census.gov/Jobs Fatherhood March Plans are being prepared for a Fatherhood March to be held in the city. Black Males Matter Day Seeking funding for kid’s transportation to go. Typical partner with Gary Commission. The School has not been able to provide transportation where they have in the past. Currently seeking alternative options. Barbershop Talk Initiative Barbershop Talk Initiative was seen by the Office of Child Support Enforcement. Asked for a story, which was published in the newsletter issue 40#10 November 2019 issue Reaching out to Barbers to request participation in the forum at a different location with father and State Child Support Workers. Secretary Spoke with Garret about Initiative to Mr. Garret. About the Barbershop initiative and he requested Tracie attendance at the State Initiative to discuss with others. Drug-Free Partnership Will meet on February 5th at 8 am at Neff. Secured Federal Funding Available. Mainly focused on Opioids but also seeing how we can tie the Legalization of Marijuana. Fly High Youth Services Christmas Presents Giveaway at Evan Stevens Norvell Learning Estates. Giving toys to families that otherwise would not have Christmas. Fly High Youth Services will donate $100 to the Commission. Will have a Board Meeting on Saturday, January 11th from 10-12 pm 2020 Black Business Kick-Start up Competition The Black Business Kick-Off Start-Up Competition is a joint effort with Jarrod Jones. Mr Jones has provided all the information and has put the event together. The Commission’s part in the partnership will be to give the check to the winner. The Competition is for High School and College Students who complete the “Scores Business Plan template for startups” For template go to www.score.org/resource/business-plan-template-startup-business will be entered to win the 2020 Black Business Kick Start prize of $3,000 toward starting a business. February, 20th, 2020. Submit completed business plans to lovethegameindiana@gmail.com Adjournment Meeting adjourned at approximately 1:17 pm lt