Kane County Reporter

City of Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board met March 1.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. Call to Order: Meeting called to order by City Liaison Muhammad at 5:38 pm.

II. Roll Call: Excused Absence: Dr. Yolanda Stovall Present: Glenda Blakemore, Marc Dale, Derek Drew, Deborah Goss-Johnson, Sandra Harrison, Chair Dr. Peggy Hicks, Pairlee Hunter, Secretary, Cynthia Latimer, Marquell Oliver, Vice Chair, Sharonda Roberson, William Whitfield, Keith Wise 12 present 1 absent

Others Present:

City Staff: Liaison, Chief Communication & Equity Officer: Clayton Muhammad Executive Director, African American Men of Unity (AAMOU): Ricky Rodgers

III. Public Comments: Ricky Rodgers - Executive Director of AAMOU and former longstanding AAAHAB member spoke about AAMOU and the 21st Annual Juneteenth Celebration to be held 6/18/22 - 3:30-7:30. Mr. Rodgers requested AAAHAB Board support.

IV. Approval of Minutes: Feb 10, 2022

Moved by Blakemore, seconded by Harrison to approve the February 10th meeting minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

V. Election of Officers

a. The following were nominated for office at the February meeting.

i. Chair – Dr. Peggy Hicks

ii. Vice-Chair – Sharonda Roberson

iii. Secretary – Cynthia Latimer

b. Voting on the slate of officers – Ballots were distributed

c. Results – Slate was unanimously elected.

d. City Liaison turned the meeting over to newly elected Chair Dr. Hicks

VI. City Liaison Update

a. Financial reports will be presented next month.

b. Thank you for support of Aurora in Black

c. By Mayoral and City Council action, city employees will have a paid holiday for Juneteenth. Multiple events have already been scheduled:

i. Supporting AAMOU Juneteenth event – 6/18/22 – MLK Park

ii. Raising Pan African flag on Juneteenth

iii. Divine 9 Juneteenth Food Giveaway

d. Scholarship – Presentation from Community Foundation re: funding opportunities will be held at an upcoming meeting

e. Board members should have received an invitation to the Mayor’s State of the City Address – 3/16/22 – Moving Aurora Forward: The Facts & The Figures.

VII. Status of AAAHAB Membership Positions: All 13 filled – Welcome, Dr. Yolanda Stovall

VIII. Member Compliance Requirement: Open Meetings Act Training - Dr. Hicks asked if there is a list of those who have been completed. Chair Hicks asked for Mr. Muhammad to resend the link to members and asked members to complete by the next meeting.

IX. Old Business

X. New Business:

a. Review Mission Statement – Both the vision and mission statement are listed on the website. Motion to table to the next meeting. Moved by Goss-Johnson, Seconded by Drew. Motion passed unanimously.

b. AAAHAB Goals – Chair asked members to identify three goals that can be attained in the next couple of months. Members brainstormed ideas for goals, activities, and projects. Discussion will continue next month.

c. Initial discussion re: Sub-committee suggestions

Members began to brainstorm ideas for sub-committees. Further discussion and identification of sub-committees at April meeting.

XI. Future Activities and Calendar: Tied to agenda item X.b., will discuss next meeting.

XII. For the Good of the Board: AAAHAB members made announcements and gave updates on items not on the agenda and which do not require a vote.

a. AAAHAB member contact sheets were distributed

b. Question on the status of a Black business directory and ABC (Aurora Business Communication)

c. All cultural boards in the city are led by women – Women’s History Month Recognition at City Council March 22nd

d. Chair and members thanked Mr. Muhammad for all that he does

XIII. Announcements:

a. Celebrating Social Workers at the ALIVE Center - 78 S. LaSalle – AAAHAB member Harrison presenting on Storytelling

b. HS Senior Scholarships – Spirited Pearls Foundation Website - $2,500

c. Community Resource Team meeting – Black voice needed at that table. First Friday from 9-10:30 – Virtual – Link to be sent

XIV. Next Meeting: Thursday, April 14, 2022 - 5:30 pm – City Hall – Conference Room 5A

XV. Adjournment: It was moved by Dale and seconded by Vice Chair, Roberson to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned 6:43 pm

https://www.aurora-il.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03102022-2843