Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Thursday, November 5, 2020 regular meeting, via Zoom conference call. MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharron Allen Abbott Basal Willie Dechavez Kozetta Elzhenni Susan Kattula Iqbal Singh Carmen Williams Stacy Williams MEMBERS ABSENT: Mohammed Alomari Abul Patwary Shawn Taylor OFFICIALS PRESENT: Community Relations Director Melanie Davis Community Relations Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda: MOTION by Allen, SECONDED by Kattula. Approved 8-0 4. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Basal, SECONDED by Allen. Approved 8-0 5. Communication from Citizens:  None 6. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept.-Sgt. Kevin Reese: None 7. Agenda A. Building (virtual) Bridges  Dechavez stated that he delivered over 100 digital GOTV (Get Out The Vote) pledge to vote cards and along with the USP4GG organization, contacted over 50,000 to encourage people to register to vote and vote. He also helped distribute additional face masks. Singh added that this will have a lasting affect with future elections.  Allen stated that she attended a meeting to discuss the Van Dyke Avenue Master Plan, a plan that will revitalize the M-53 corridor, just south of M-59/Hall Road. Allen also attended the monthly African American Coalition meeting, and joined  the sub-committee that will focus on the business aspect of diversity and inclusion.  C. Williams added that she also attended the African American Coalition meeting and joined the sub-committee that will focus on inclusion within city government, as well as aw enforcement.  For more information on any of the above mentioned items, please feel free to contact fellow members. B. Cultural Exchange 2021 – Virtual  Giallombardo stated that due to the current situation with Covid-19, the 2021 Cultural Exchange will have to be virtual. She stated that she is in the process of gathering ideas for a month-long cultural celebration for the month of March, via the city’s Facebook page. Giallombardo added that any and all ideas are welcome, and encouraged members to begin brainstorming. Ideas include promoting a wide variety of the restaurants in the city, featuring favorite dishes and having restaurants offer deals; entertainment groups can share their favorite performances; individuals and/or organizations could set up a table and discuss their culture virtually.  Davis suggested cooking demonstrations and Facebook watch parties.  Giallombardo will compile a list of past participants in all areas to begin promoting participation in January. 8. Old Business:  Allen asked about further details regarding the virtual panel discussion for Black History Month. Giallombardo said that she has been speaking with Jason Groth at the Library, but the vision or format has not been decided yet. Giallombardo and Davis will follow up; Tammy Turgeon will reach out to the African American Coalition for their participation as well. The expected audience for the panel discussion would be the city’s Facebook and You-Tube followers. 9. New Business:  None 10. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.