Ethnic Community Committee

City of Sterling Heights ETHNIC COMMUNITY COMMITTEE Official minutes of the Thursday, April 6, 2023 regular meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: Dunia Arif Willie Dechavez Kozeta Elzhenni Naketa Jones Susan Kattula Carmen Williams Iqbal Singh (via conference call) MEMBERS ABSENT Mohammed Alomari Kelechi Anyaogu Abbott Basal Vipul Tripathi OFFICIALS PRESENT: Community Relations Services Specialist Sue Giallombardo 1. Call to Order – Carmen Williams 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Minutes as amended: MOTION by Elzhenni, SECONDED by Jones. Approved 6-0 4. Communication from Citizens - None 5. Communications from the Sterling Heights Police Department  Giallombardo stated that the Community Services Bureau will send an officer to future meetings, to replace the sergeant previously assigned as the police liaison of the committee. 6. Agenda A. Building Bridges  Elzhenni attended the Festival of Cultures at Smith Middle School, and shared photos on the Ethnic Community Committee’s Facebook page. She added that this event helped raise money for St. Jude Research.  Elzehnni said that in celebration of Ramadan, dinner will be served at the AICC on Friday and Saturday evening, at midnight; anyone is welcome to attend.  Dechavez stated that he participated in the Act of Kindness initiative with USP4GG in celebration of MLK Jr. Day. He worked with the USP4GG and donated food items to local schools in the Philippines. Dechavez added that the food program continues feeding family members in Sorsogon and Manila.   Dechavez said that for the fourth year, the USP4GG honored ten outstanding women for International Womens Month; he added that Giallombardo was an honorary recipient.  Jones stated that she continues to volunteer with Gleaners Food Bank.  Williams stated that she is leading a project with the Women of the World organization, donating packages to Siberia. Willams also shared that she was asked to participate in the first-ever, Black Women of Macomb County exhibit. The exhibit will showcase stories and accomplishments of local Black women, and will open this summer at the Anton Art Center. Williams also volunteered at King High School to encourage students to vote and assist them with the registration process. B. Diversity Distinction Awards Dinner  Giallombardo stated that the Diversity Distinction Awards dinner will take place on Wednesday, September 27, at the American Century Banquet Hall. She added that she attempted to follow up with the owner of Larsa Palace, which was suggested last year by Alomari. However, Larsa Palace will be converting their establishment into an international food court, so the hall would likely not be available in September.  Giallombardo asked members to keep this date open, and encouraged them to submit nominations for awardees, as well as suggested a key note speaker. C. New Initiatives  Giallombardo stated that since the agendas have been pretty light for the months of April, May and June, members should think of small events and/or initiatives to promote the Committee, or help out in the community.  Dechavez suggested inviting businesses to attend a meeting, which could lead to partnerships and sponsorships of future events. He added that members could also attend meetings at such local businesses to share information on the Committee. Dechavez also said that he’d like to see more groups joining the Committee for the Memorial Day Parade. Giallombardo stated that she continues to invite all groups that have participated in past events sponsored by the Committee. If they apply to be in the parade, she attempts to group them with the Committee.  Jones suggested that the Committee (as a whole) support other events put on by organizations and businesses.  Williams suggested taking more time to learn about other holidays and events, such as the Ramadan celebrations happening at the AICC. Williams also suggested going into schools to share stories and discuss diversity.  Elzhenni stated that she will be attending a cultural celebration happening at Black Elementary on April 14th, and encouraged other members to attend. 7. Old Business:  Giallombardo reminded members that the Committee’s showcase at the Community Center is always available for display items. Dechavez offered to create a display for May, Elzhenni offered for June and Dechavez and Singh will set up a display for August.  Giallombardo reminded members about the Breakfast of Nations event, taking place on Friday, May 19 at the Chalden Community Foundation. 8. New Business  Giallombardo asked members if they’d like to participate in the Memorial Day Parade, taking place on Monday, May 29th, at 10:00 a.m. Participants will have to  arrive around 8:30 a.m. for staging, and it would be great of two members would volunteer to walk and carry the Ethnic Community Committee’s banner.  Giallombardo stated the city’s second annual African American Coalition’s Juneteenth Celebration will take place on Friday, June 16 under the Farmers Market pavilion in Dodge Park. Members are welcome to volunteer at the event, or attend as visitors. More details to follow. 9. Adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.