Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Thursday, June 3, 2021 regular meeting, via Zoom conference call. MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharron Allen Mohammed Alomari Willie Dechavez Kozeta Elzhenni Susan Kattula Abul Patwary Iqbal Singh Carmen Williams MEMBERS ABSENT: Abbott Basal Shawn Taylor Stacy Williams OFFICIALS PRESENT: Community Relations Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Minutes: MOTION by Elzhenni, SECONDED by Dechavez. Approved 8-0 4. Communication from Citizens:  Chimene Anderson is present at the meeting as a resident and a guest; she has lived in the city for 18 years and would like to be more involved and help promote racial equity.  Elzhenni said that a woman reached out to her on the Committee’s facebook page and would like to take photographs at the Cultural Exchange. 5. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept.-Sgt. Kevin Reese  None 6. Agenda A. Building (virtual) Bridges  Dechavez stated that he and Iqbal attended the John C. Lewis Voting Rights Votercade in Troy; gave opening remarks at the virtual Lansing Capitol Day; attended a webinar on the Asian American Experiences in Detroit; attended another virtual meeting on local redistricting and how it affects the community; participated in the Hmong Independence Day event at Hamlich Park along with Singh and invited participants to the Cultural Exchange and attended the city’s Memorial Day Ceremony. Dechavez was recognized on the Senate floor of the  Capitol Building on May 18, with a State of Michigan special tribute initiated by Senator Michael MacDonald.  C. Williams stated that she attended an NAACP event regarding the Black Wall Street incident in Tulsa, OK in 1921; attended a town hall panel discussion on George Floyd and police reform; and attended the May African American Coalition meeting.  For more information on any of the above mentioned items, please feel free to contact fellow members. B. Cultural Exchange 2021  Giallombardo stated that she has received several participation forms for performers but there are plenty of spaces left. She encouraged members to continue soliciting performances as well as sponsorships, as they are much lower than previous years. There is still space for tables, but they are filling up quickly.  Giallombardo stated that pre-registration is no longer necessary, but there will not be a buffet table of food items, just a sampling of desserts. However, there will be approximately four food trucks on site for guests to purchase food and drinks.  Dechavez suggested that Giallombardo to visit a new Filipino restaurant at 15 Mile and Dequindre.  Giallombardo will keep everyone up to speed on the details via e-mails. She suggested arriving around 5:30 to avoid traffic and get a close parking space; and advised members that they could dress comfortably and for warm weather and are welcome to wear ethnic-themed attire. C. Diversity Distinction Awards Dinner  Giallombardo stated that the annual Diversity Distinction Awards dinner will be held on Thursday, September 30 at the Century Banquet Hall. She suggested making plans via zoom calls or emails throughout the summer, and stated that a sub-committee was not necessary.  Giallombardo said to send her suggestions for guest speakers, and she can share the suggestions with the entire committee for selection.  Giallombardo said that the nomination form will be up and running on the city’s website within the week, and asked members to make nominations and start encouraging ticket sales and sponsorships.  Dechavez asked if Comcast will again be a sponsor, Giallombardo said that she will again reach out to Shannon Dulin and hopes that they could commit to $500 again; Dechavez stated that he has a contact at AT&T.  Giallombardo stated that this is one of two fundraisers for the Committee so hopefully the event will be well attended.  Details will follow throughout July and August. 7. Old Business:  Dechavez said that since future meetings are going back to in-person, he would like to suggest that members take turns bringing food items to the meetings. Giallombardo said that she will remind members each month; Singh offered to bring food samplings to the September meeting. 8. New Business:  Dechavez suggested inviting an Ethnic group or organization to each meeting to allow them to discuss their group and maximize the hour. Williams stated that this  was suggested before, in the form of “Coffee, Culture and Conversation.” Dechavez stated that this would be different and would take place during the meeting, as opposed to outside of the meeting at an off-site location. Alomari stated that the members would need to put the idea to a vote and Dechavez asked that it go on the next agenda. C. Williams suggested limiting the group or organization’s presentation to ten minutes. Singh and Elzhenni stated that they like the idea. Kattula said she likes the idea too but the Chairperson would need to keep the meeting on track.  Alomari asked if there was any further progress on converting the Ethnic Community Committee to a commission. Giallombardo stated that it was discussed with City Administration and there are no plans to make the conversion at this time.  Giallombardo stated that she would talk with the directors of the Library and the Community Center and discuss the display showcases. 9. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.