Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Thursday, December 2, 2021 regular meeting MEMBERS PRESENT: Kelechi Anyaogu Abbott Basal Willie Dechavez Kozeta Elzhenni Iqbal Singh Vipul Tripathi Carmen Williams MEMBERS ABSENT Mohammed Alomari Dunia Arif Sue Kattula Shawn Taylor OFFICIALS PRESENT: Community Relations Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo Guests: Councilman Henry Yanez, Gil Guevara, Sr., and Gil Guevara, Jr. 1. Call to Order – Chairperson Carmen Williams 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Minutes, as amended per Singh: MOTION by Dechavez, SECONDED by Elzhenni. Approved 7-0 4. Communication from Citizens: None 5. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Dept.-Sgt. Kevin Reese – None 6. Agenda A. Building Bridges  Dechavez provided an update on his Go Fund Me, feeding program in Sorsogon City; he continues to collect funds to provide eggs and nutritional snacks to children, 30 days for 30 children. Dechavez appealed to committee members for support, adding that $20 will feed 30 children. Singh suggested that Dechavez extend the program for the entire year, while taking into consideration that situations change with the children. Dechavez said that he is also seeking corporate funding for a new 501c3 organization, Philippine Educational Mission Foundation of Michigan. Mission is to alleviate the living conditions of the underprivileged through educational opportunities like seminars and workshops on nutrition, mental health, income opportunities and art appreciation, among others. Dechavez will also be sharing a video taped presentation, honoring Dr. Jose Rizal, on Dec. 30, 2021. The video is a presentation of 12 outstanding Filipino Americans in Michigan as they relate to Dr. Rizal, and includes greetings from the Consulate  General of Chicago, the current Vice President of the Philippines, and a message from Iqbal Singh as well. Dechavez said that he is still working on his book project, highlighting immigrant stories of Filipinos in Michigan. Gil Guevara stated that he is an author as well, and noted that the SH Public Library has a local author section; Dechavez added they he is aware and also said that the library has a large international section.  Williams congratulated Dechavez, and said that she attended a meeting with the NAACP regarding re-districting in Michigan, and also attended the SH African American Coalition meeting.  For more information on any of the above mentioned items, please feel free to contact fellow members. B. Cultural Exchange 2022  Giallombardo stated that the date of the Cultural Exchange will be on Friday, March 11, 2022. The event will be at the Community Center from 6:00-10:00 p.m. It was suggested that long tables be set by the entertainment stage. Giallombardo stated that she doesn’t think there are enough long tables to be placed there, along with all of the display tables, but said she would discuss with the Parks & Recreation Director. Giallombardo added that she will have the participation forms at the January meeting. Guevara, Jr. stated that he would be able to help secure volunteers for the event. Giallombardo thanked him, but stated that she has a good group of reliable volunteers, along with the help of all of the committee members. Further discussion on the Cultural Exchange will take place at the January meeting. C. Hispanic Celebration Event  Giallombardo introduced Gil Guevara, Sr. and Gil Guevara, Jr., Guevara, Sr. is the Executive Director of ALAS (Artistas Latinx en Accion Siempre). They are seeking the blessing and support of the committee on hosting an event that will focus mainly on the Hispanic & Latino culture, but will be open to all other cultures in the community to participate. They would like the event to be held late September, early October, at the Community Center or under the Farmers Market pavilion. Guevara, Jr. stated that the Hispanic Heritage month runs from Sept. 16- October 15, and he would like the event during that timeframe.  Giallombardo stated that she is a little concerned with the timeframe, due mainly in part to the Diversity Awards dinner, and sponsorships.  Yanez stated that he believes he could be instrumental in raising $5,000 for the event.  Williams asked what exactly was being asked of the committee members, both personally and collectively. Guevara, Jr. stated that they would like the support and promotion of the event; and also the support of other groups and organizations that members are affiliated with. Anyaogu added that he would be happy to support, send the message, and invite others. All committee members agreed.  Yanez said that he has talked with Tammy Turgeon, director of the SH Library and will speak with contacts at the DIA for further assistance in promoting. Yanez added that along with Giallombardo, Guevara, Jr. and Sr., he will be meeting with Kyle Langlois on Dec. 13. Further information will be shared afterward.  See the attached proposal from Guevara, Jr. for further details on the proposed event. 7. Old Business:  Giallombardo reminded members that the committee agreed to adopt a family for the holiday season, a single father with an 8 year old son. She added that participation is optional, and said to contact her individually if you’d like to participate. Giallombardo volunteered to shop for the gift items, will arrange for delivery and will keep members posted. 8. New Business:  None 9. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.