MAYOR'S COMMISSION ON AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS
Minutes for Wednesday, March 12, 2008
6:00 P.M. To 8:00 P.M.
City Council Caucus Room
City Hall, Room 400
Submitted by: Dr. Darlene A. Thompson
Mr. Stanley L. Straughter, Chairman of the Commission and Honorary Consul Republic of Guinea, called the meeting to order. NOTE: There were 47 people who were present at the meeting.
Our Chairman, Mr. Straughter, introduced our special guests. They were as followed:
1. Mrs. Miriam Seidel, Curator for the Borowsky and Open Lens Galleries, spoke about the Art Show which will present the “Small Survivors: Vulnerable Children of Uganda " on Sunday April 26, 2008 from 1-4 p.m. at The Gersham Y, Broad Street At Pine, Philadelphia, PA. The event is free to the public. It is co-sponsored by African Cultural Alliance of North America. For information contact Mr. Voffee Jabateh at 215-729-8225 or Mrs. Seidel at 215- 446-3001.The children from Uganda will visit the Gershman Galleries in May 2008 after their school closes. Chairman Straughter will ask the Ambassador from Uganda to attend this event on April 6, 2008.
2. Mr. Gordon Henry, President of the Barbados Society of Pennsylvania, shared with us that his organization is in the midst of setting up a similar Commission in New York City like Philadelphia.
3. Mrs. Patricia Mitchell Doe, Co-Chairperson for the education Committee, told us about the conflict that occurred at Bartram High School between the African Americans and African students. A conflict mediation program has been discussed for Tilden Middle School and Bartram High School. According to Mrs. Mitchell-Doe, since this has been a systemic problem, she recommended the recruitment of African teachers for our schools. Chairman Straughter asked the Education Committee to convene a meeting to address these issues and recommend plausible solutions. Mrs. Mitchell Doe informed us that the principal from Bartram High School, Ms. Constance McAlister, was invited to attend this evening meeting, however, she was unable to attend. She will be invited for future meetings. Mr. Voffee S. Jabateh, Commissioner for Liberian and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the African Cultural Alliance of North America, shared with the commission that his organization has been in conversations with the principal at Bartram regarding the recent conflict. He informed us that there have been incidents in which the African students caused the conflict with African American students. Overall the African and African American communities have work well together to resolve the cultural issues. Mr. Jabateh suggested that the School District of Philadelphia need to become more involved with this issue and not wait until a problem arises. Mrs. Gilda Jean Louis, Executive Director of the Elise Joseph Foundation, told us how she has spearheaded cross cultural experiences to address cultural conflicts at the schools.
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4. Mr. Russell Hicks, Program Manager of the Ron Brown’s Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation, shared with us that the Center has a portfolio of economic development for people of color. This organization is business development center in which one of the goals is economic development for the West Philadelphia community. The Founder of the Center is Mrs. Della Clark. The corporation creates community wealth by nurturing local entrepreneurial talent for the community. On Wednesday, March 19, 2008 from 6 p.m to 8 p.m at the Ron Brown Enterprise Center located at 4548 market Street, a graduation ceremony will be held for Project Great Potential’s. The Keynote Motivation Speaker will be Dan Fitzpatrick, Regional CEO/President from the Citizens Bank. Contact Mr. Hicks at 215-895-4012 for additional information about this event and other programs. Chairman Straughter suggested that Mr. Hicks attend future meetings with Bartram High School and Tilden Middle School.
5. Ms. Shanta D. Collins, Founder of the Explorers San Frontiers, invited us to the "Relax and Unwind Social Fundraiser" at the Cascamorto Philadelphia’s Premier Piano Bar at 20th & Arch Streets, on Thursday, April 3, 2008 5:30-9:30 p.m. All proceeds will go to the ESF’s Humanitarian Trip to Senegal, West Africa for college junior and senior students to attend in May 2008. Contact Ms. Collins at 215-219-9588.
6. Sergeant Kimberly Byrd, Executive Officer for the Police Commissioner's Office, told us that her office is a bridge between the Police Department and the community. She goes into the schools and organizes the community initiatives. West Philadelphia High School has a pilot program including a curriculum for career paths in Federal Bureau Investigation Office, Secret Service Office, and the Philadelphia Police Department. This project had led to the development of positive relationship between Law Enforcement and the students. Chairman Straughter appointed Dr. Dr. Alston B. Meade, Dr. Samuel Quartey, Mr. J. Shiwoh Kamara and others to the Police African Advisory Committee in which they will work with Sergeant Byrd. She also shared a draft of the recommended Law Enforcement Empowerment Sessions for this advisory committee. Chairman Straughter told us about his recent meeting with the new Police Commissioner, Charles Ramsey, who will continue his support for this Commission. Our Chairman will obtain a plague to present to retired Commissioner Johnson in the future.
After Sergeant Byrd's presentation, Chairman Straughter acknowledged the Honorable Jannie L. Blackwell from City Council of Philadelphia. Councilwoman Blackwell thanked our Chairman and Sergeant Byrd for their work.
The continuation of the special guests’ presentations was:
1. Mr. Christopher Chaplin, Co-Chairman of Team Jamaica Bickle, Philadelphia& East Chapter of the Exeo African American Members Association, is sponsoring 400 Jamaican athletes to the Penn Relays from April 23 -26 2008 at the Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has been involved in this endeavor for 14 years. He thanked Councilwoman Blackwell for her continual support. Chairman Straughter will receive the International Community Service
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Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs Minutes for March 12, 2008
Award on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at PECO, 2301 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA. Contact Sandra at 215-879-8616 for this event.
2. Dr. Samuel Quartey shared that the Africa American Museum Gala was a success. PECO contributed $500,000 to the African American Museum. The Imhotep Institute Charter High School Performing Arts Department will feature “Blacks on Broadway, Cinema & TV" on April 17, 18, 20, & 21, 2008. The Matinee Shows will occur on April 18 & 21, 2008 at the John E. Allen Jr. Freedom Theatre located at 1346 North Broad Street in Philadelphia, PA. For tickets call: Freedom Theatre at 215-765-2793 or Imhotep School, Tamara Jackson at 215-438-4140 Ext 105.
3. Mr. Tilahan Amera, a Commissioner and representative from the Ethiopian community, spoke about the celebration of Ethiopian's independence for over 3,000 years which will occur on Friday, May 2, 2008 and Saturday, May 3, 2008 from 6 -9 p.m. at the African American Museum. To plan for this event, Mr. Amera invited us to attend the meetings held every third Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the African American Museum located at 7th and Race Streets. On Saturday, May 3, 2008, a large parade will occur with representation of all African nations. Chairman Straughter asked that this event be placed on our April 2008’s agenda, and he shared that the ACANA Annual Fashion Show was successful.
After the presentations, the following Committee Chairman Reports were given:
A. Business & Trade: Chairman Straughter is working closely with Mr. Tony
Nwokenkwu and Ms. Carol Brooks since the retirement of Honorable Menzies Traylor on all business endeavors.
B. Arts & Culture: Chairperson Straughter apprised us about the Obunde Day weekend
activities will occur on Friday, June6 208, Saturday, June7, 2008 and
Sunday, June 8, 2008.The The Business Roundtable meeting will be held on Friday,
June 6, 2008. Mr. Ronald Brown, announced that Junetheeth celebration will occur
from Friday June 13, 2008 to Sunday June 22, 2008. There will be parade starting at
Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
C. Health & Human Services: Dr. Lawrence Robinson, Commissioner and Co-Chairperson, announced that the Health Fair will be held on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at the Myers Recreation Center located in southwest Philadelphia on Kingessing Avenue. All medical screenings will be provided. Mrs. Gilda Jean Louis, Executive Director of the Elise Joseph Foundation, shared that a Health Fair will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2008 from 5 p.m-7:30 p.m. at the Southwest Baptist Church, 6536 Upland Street. Also, the Elise Joseph Foundation will sponsor Proper Nutrition for prevention of various types of cancer, Sunday, April 13, 2008 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the
Ebenezer Baptist Church, Roosevelt Boulevard, & B Street, Philadelphia, PA. The Haitian Health Fair will occur in October 2008. Contact person is Mrs. Gilda Jean Louis at 267-808-4714.
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D. Legal & Immigration: Dr Meade told us that the committee continues to discuss
immigration issues. On April 19, 2008, there will be a Citizenship Forum where
immigrants can complete application for citizenship to the United States of
America.
E. Housing & Economic Development: Mr. Sharif Street, Esq. Co-Chairs this new committee. He is currently the Deputy Managing Director of the Housing Association
of Delaware Valley located at 1528 Walnut Street. The association moot is "Decent
Housing for All." Mr. Christopher Chaplin will serve as the other Co-Chairperson of
this committee.
Councilwoman Blackwell closed the meeting by thanking all of who had attended the meeting.
Chairperson Straughter adjourned the meeting until next month.
MAYOR'S COMMISSION ON AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN IMMIGRANT AFFAIRS
Minutes for Wednesday, January 9, 2008
6:00 P.M. To 8:00 P.M.
City Council Caucus Room
City Hall, Room 400
Submitted by: Dr. Darlene A. Thompson
Mr. Stanley L. Straughter, Chairman of the Commission and Honorary Consul Republic of Guinea, called the meeting to order. Chairman Straughter acknowledged the Honorable Jannie L. Blackwell from the City Council of Philadelphia and our Vice Chairperson of the Commission, Mrs. Dolores Mohammed. He welcomed us to the New Year of 2008 and proceeded with the agenda for the evening. NOTE: There were 71 people present at the meeting.
Councilwoman Blackwell began with her New Year's remarks by informing us that she has entered her fifth (5th) term for another 4 years as a Councilwoman for the Third District.. She thanked all who have supported her. She congratulated Mrs. Dolores Mohammed upon on her 25th Anniversary of the establishment of the Essence International School in Kaduna, Nigeria and the design of the "Happy New Year From Echoes of Africa Card" which advocates quality education and universal literacy.
Our Chairman, Mr. Straughter, moved with the introduction of our special guests. They were as followed:
1. Mr. Saleem Muwwakkil introduced Minister Ari S. Merretazon who is the Northeast Representative of the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America (N'COBRA). Minister Ari S. Merretazon spoke about the Black Reparation Campaign and the Awareness Day which will occur on February 27 & 28, 2008 at Temple University. Psychologists will speak about the Post Syndrome of Slavery Mentality and why reparations cannot wait any longer for African Americans. Contact Minister Ari S. Merretazon at 215-850-1699 for more information.
2. Councilwoman Blackwell introduced Mr. Ted Wertz from the Travelers Aid Philadelphia (TAP): A Helping Hand Along The Way. Mr. Wertz discussed his efforts with the homelessness in Philadelphia serving 130 families in West Philadelphia community. He also has housed and provided shelters, food and resources for over 3,000 people in Philadelphia. TAP has a crises assistance service at the 30th Street Station from 1932 to 1992. Then TAD opened the 30th Street Station Passenger Assistance Booth on Monday, December 10, 2007. The booth is the station's first comprehensive passenger information and assistance service. Councilwoman Blackwell shared that they have a cafe located at 32nd Street and Spring Garden Avenue. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p. m. to assist with the homelessness people and provide them with meals and clean clothes
3. Chairman Straughter presented Mr. Curtis Jones, a new Councilperson who was sworn in on yesterday, January 8, 2008 into City Council at City Hall. Councilperson Jones spoke about his support to the Commission, and he will work closely with Councilwoman Blackwell. He and Councilwoman Blackwell will host the Ambassador from South Africa on
January 20 & 21, 2008
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4. Ms. Carol Brooks, the Diplomatic Liaison to our Commission, presented Mr. Antonio Ceballos. Mr. Ceballos works as the Director for the Philadelphia U.S. Export Assistance Center(USEAC), a part of the U.S .Commercial Service-U.S. Department of Commerce. This office(USEAC) combines the global trade resources for the U.S. Department of Commerce and the international finance expertise for the U.S .Small Business Administration and the U.S. Export-Import Bank. He spoke about the export opportunities for the Health Technology Industry in Brazil which is a $700 million market. One can contact Mr. Ceballos at 215-597-7141.
5. Chief Inspector James Tiano from the Police Department reminded us about organizing the Police African Advisory Council which was a commitment made from retired Police Commissioner Johnson. He assures us that once the Council is up and running, meetings will occur with the new Police Commissioner, Charles Ramsey. Police Captains are generally assigned to advisory boards. Afterwards, Councilwoman Blackwell thanked Officer Lynn Carter for organizing a retirement Reception and Banquet for Police Commissioner Johnson in recognizing him for his outstanding services to the City of Philadelphia. It was noted that the Police Town Meetings will occur all over the City of Philadelphia within the 23 Police Districts. Chairman Straughter will write a letter to Commissioner Ramsey regarding the establishment of the Police African Advisory Council. He will assign Commission members to this council.
6. Dr. Darlene A. Thompson introduced Dr. Shirl E. Gilbert II, Superintendent of the West Region for the School of Philadelphia. Dr. Gilbert shared that he has been the Regional Superintendent for three years overseeing 32 schools. During the course of his tenure, 23 schools have improved in their academic performance in spite of the challenges. He invited the Commission members to attend the meeting of the Philadelphia Alliance for Black School Educators, an affiliate of the National Alliance for Black School Educators, on Thursday, January 24, 2008 at the School of Future located at 40th and Parkside Avenue. The goal of the organization is to provide quality education for our children especially African American students . Chairman Straughter shared with Dr. Gilbert about the United Nations program for high school students in which Sayre High School could become a participant. Dr. Gilbert made a commitment to support our Commission in its educational endeavors. Mrs. Mohammed reiterated that the School District of Philadelphia needs to meet their proposed educational goals. Ms. Michelle Burks, principal at Tilden Middle School, told us that her school made the Adequate Year Progress (AYP) this past school year. Dr. Nancy Morgan, Co-Chairperson of the Education Committee, thanked Dr. Gilbert for his remarks and support.
7. Mr. Voffee Jabateh, Commissioner and Chairman of the African Cultural Alliance of North America and Mrs. Marlene Brito, Community Outreach Manager for the Kimmel Center, spoke about the upcoming concert featuring "Ladysmith Black Mambazo" from South African on Sunday, January 20, 2008 at 3 p. m. at the Kimmel Center. A grant was received to purchase reduce tickets for 50 people. The Ambassador from South Africa will be present at the concert.
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8. Ms. Suzanna Silva updated us about the Salvador Bahia Brazil Partnership. She shared with us her recent trip to Brazil. The City Council in Salvador, Brazil formed a relationship with Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Mohammed shared her proposal for the youth summer camp program for the Salvador-Philadelphia cities. The program emphasizes leadership, friendship and partnership.
9. Dr. Philip Udo-Inyang, Chairman of the Coalition of African Communities (AFRICOM), reported the activities of the organization. Chairman Straughter complimented Dr. Lawrence Robinson for the outstanding Health Fair which was mentioned in the AFRICOM Report. Dr. Robinson is the Deputy Commissioner of the Public Heath Department and Commissioner for Health and Human Services Committee.
Chairman Straughter informed us that he sent a letter to the Honorable Micheal Nutter on
January 7, 2008 congratulating him as the new elected Mayor of the City of Philadelphia and inviting him to attend a future meeting with our Commission.
Councilwoman Blackwell asked Mr. Sharif Street, Esq. to thank his father,the former Mayor of Philadelphia, John F. Street, who allowed the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs to come it was Councilwoman Blackwell's vision which led to the formation of the Commission. Chairman Straughter thanked Ms. Anjali Chainani, Community Outreach Coordinator for Councilwoman Blackwell, for her xeroxing, mailing and typing letters for the Commission.
The continuation of the special guests’ presentations was:
February 9, 2008 at the Hilton Hotel on City Line Avenue from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
January 17, 2008. The event will occur in May 2008 for the celebration of the African nations including Ethiopia.
Dr. Robinson suggested that Chairman Straughter write a letter to Mayor Nutter concerning the reappointment of the Commissioner members. Attorney Street stated that according to the city charter, no reappointments were necessary.
Chairman Straughter will meet with the Education Committee to discuss the various initiatives locally, nationally and internationally. He will contact Dr. Morgan. Chairman Straughter adjourned the meeting until next month.