Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Thursday, April 1, 2021 regular meeting, via Zoom conference call. MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharron Allen Willie Dechavez Kozetta Elzhenni Iqbal Singh Shawn Taylor Carmen Williams Stacy Williams MEMBERS ABSENT: Mohammed Alomari Abbott Basal Susan Kattula Abul Patwary OFFICIALS PRESENT: Community Relations Director Melanie Davis Community Relations Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Dechavez, SECONDED by Allen. Approved 7-0 4. Communication from Citizens:  None 5. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept.-Sgt. Kevin Reese  None 6. Agenda A. Breakfast of Nations Event – Ngoc Do  Ngoc Do works for Vibe Credit Union as their Community Engagement Specialist, serves on the Sterling Heights Area Communitiy Foundation and is also on the committee to plan the Breakfast of Nations event.  Ngoc stated that she has worked with Community Relations on various events in the past and added that the Breakfast of Nations is a collaborative event with One Macomb, Chaldean Community Foundation and Welcoming Michigan. Typically the Breakfast of Nations is a sit-down event featuring guest speakers and a panel discussion. This year’s event will highlight our youth and will allow them to share their immigration story through theatrics. Ngoc added that the planning committee would like to partner with the Ethnic Community for this event so that members could help out if necessary and the partnership will also allow  workshops leading up to the event and/or the event itself to take place at the Community Center.  The committee will be planning four workshops to help prepare the participants for their storytelling at the actual event. Those youth members taking place in the workshops will all be present at the event. Ngoc stated that they are looking at a November date, and said that the event hasn’t been given a name yet, other than it will fall under the umbrella of the Breakfast of Nations event. Ngoc also stated that voting on the stories will take place by the youth’s peers, or perhaps committee members, and said that they are also looking for sponsorships.  Allen stated that she isn’t always a fan peers voting for peers because they tend to vote for their friends, not on the performances. Dechavez said that he would like to be actively involved with a sponsorship and anything else that might be available.  Ngoc would like Committee members to help spread the word and promote the event (via word of mouth, social media, etc.), adding that she will keep members up to date and send an outline once it’s available. B. Building Bridges  Dechavez shared his items that he has been working on during the past month; his outline is included as an attachment for reference.  Dechavez would like to have City Council accept a resolution condemning hate crimes against Asian Americans. He will forward the resolution to Giallombardo who will forward to City Management for presentation at an upcoming City Council meeting.  Allen stated that she attended the monthly meeting for the African American Coalition and also particpated in a zoom meeting with her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, in celebration of Women’s History Month.  Elzhenni stated that Ramadan starts on April 13th, her very smart 11-year-old son shared his report to members in attendance, outlining the history of Ramadan and what it means.  C. Williams attended a Pancakes & Politics Event featuring Gov. Whitmer, and presented at a symposium for Women’s History Month.  For more information on any of the above mentioned items, please feel free to contact fellow members. C. Cultural Exchange 2021  Giallombardo reminded members that the Cultural Exchange will take place on Friday, June 18th from 6:00-10:00 p.m., at the Dodge Park Farmers Market Pavilion. She stated that due to Covid-19, several changes will be affect, including following CDC guidelines and any protocol that will be in place under the state’s Executive Order. The following changes will be taking place: o Performance groups will be limited to 12 members. o Only 2 people may sit behind table displays. o Anyone attending the event must pre-register. This includes members of the Committee, performers, family members, friends, etc. o Buffet table will not be permitted, we will have food trucks on sight for food and beverage purchases. Limited seating will be available just outside of the pavilion. o Staging area for performers will likely not be possible. o Seating in the performance section will be limited as well, chairs will have to be spaced apart to adhere to social distancing guidelines.   Giallombardo added that things will likely change as we get closer to the event.  Participation forms will be completed in the next week and will be sent to members as well as past participants.  Giallombardo encouraged members to get any forms in as soon as possible since numbers will limited. She also stressed the importance of pre-registration. Visitors will not be allowed to enter the event unless they are pre-registered.  Any questions and/or concerns can be directed to Giallombardo at any time. 7. Old Business:  None 8. New Business:  Allen shared the inevitable news that she has put her house up for sale and will be moving to Texas soon to be with her two children. Members congratulated Allen. Giallombardo thanked Allen for the advance notice, and said that hopefully she will be able to remain on the Committee for several months, as she is a valued member. 9. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.