Part of my role is to find out what is going on within our commnunity that
directly or indirectly effect the African American Community specifically and
the broader neighborhoods as a whole.
On Monday and Tuesday of this week I was able to attend community meetings and
events that address critical issues within our neighborhoods.
Monday was the KARAMU Community Discussion looking at the African American
community from the perspective of the anniversaries of the Emancipation
Proclamation and the March on Washington. The discussion centered around the
activism of the past and the pass-ivism (if that is a word) of today. the
meeting left us with a sense that activism is needed again to address the
critical issues of the Achievement Gap amongst african American students in our
schools and the percieved misunderstanding of our youth and activities going on
within our streets.
On Tuesday I attended a planning meeting with the Black Men Early Childhood
Project which is seeking ways in which to match African American Boys and Men
in such a way that positive discussion and modeling takes place to change the
perception and reality of both groups. I particularly went to this meeting to
see how we within the forums might be able to engage around some of the topics
presented as they/we move towards 2014. Stay tuned for more information on
this.
Finally I went to the Eastside Area Business association Holiday event and had
the chance to talk with City Council Members Kathy Landry and Amy Broadmoen. I
asked them if they followed some of the discussions that were taking place on
our forum sites as they pertained to activities onthe east side and they both
said YES! This was very encouraging because we always what to make sure that
our elected officials are in the loop with what you the neighbors are talking
about. The event was festive and a great end to a very busy day.
I will be attending the meeting on Thursday that will be addressing the recent
rash of shooting that have taken place within the Summit-University area and
will report back on what WE can do.
Thanks,
RevDev