Kane County Reporter

City of Aurora African American Heritage Advisory Board met Nov. 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. Call to Order - Meeting called to order at 5:37 pm by Chair Whitfield.

II. Roll Call - Present: Glenda Blakemore, Marc Dale, Sandra Harrison, Pairlee Hunter, Secretary Cynthia Latimer, Marquell Oliver, Vice Chair Sharonda Roberson, Dr. Yolanda Stovall, Chair William Whitfield & Keith Wise. City Liaison Muhammad was also present.

Absent: Deborah Goss-Johnson 10 present 1 absent

III. Public Comments - None

IV. Approval of Minutes – October 13, 2022 - Moved by Harrison, seconded by Hunter to approve the October meeting minutes. Motion passed unanimously.

Pillar Objectives to obtain the overarching AAAHAB goal of Advocacy ( Pillars: Awareness / Communication / Fundraising )

V. Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley - The Board is considering transferring management of the AAAHAB scholarships to the Community Foundation for 2024 and therefore invited President & CEO Julie Christman to present details, timelines, and options. Chair Whitfield thanked President/CEO Christmas. Commissioners will discuss and determine next steps.

VI. City Liaison Update: Standing item Financial Report & Additional Topics - Much of Liaison Muhammad’s report is intertwined with other agenda items and therefore comments will be made at that time. He highlighted the impact of Black educational leaders in Aurora: Dr. Norrell from D131 creating history by leading all of her schools to a state designation of Commendable or Exemplary. Dr. Talley from D204 all schools also Commendable or Exemplary and moving the more schools from Commendable to Exemplary, and the history made in D129 with the appointment of the first Black Superintendent - Dr. Michael Smith who will take over the reins in one and a half years after the retirement of the current Superintendent. Remaining Budget: approx. $6,400.00

VII. Unfinished Business

A. AAAHAB Heritage Dinner Committee – February 24, 2023 - Chair Latimer gave the committee report highlighting components and timelines of the annual heritage dinner. Liaison Muhammad shared that the venue will change from Gaslite to Belle Salle due to the closing of Gaslite at the end of 2022 as part of the casino project. Commissioners Blakemore, Harrison, Keith, and Stoval join Latimer in making up the membership of this steering committee. Commissioner Hunter indicated she would like to join the committee. She was welcomed and will receive meeting information. Latimer indicated there will be many more asks for assistance in the months to come.

i. AAAHAB Scholarship Sub-Committee - Chair Blakemore presented Written report. Sub-committee also includes Commissioners Stoval & Latimer. After reviewing the scholarship document and details. The committee asked for Board acceptance of the recommendation of the scholarship application adjustments and a recommendation of 5 - $2,000 scholarships. Recommendation to accept the Scholarship sub-committee recommendation to accept the scholarship application and accept the recommendation of awarding five $2,000 scholarships. Roll Call Vote - 9-0. Motion passed. Unanimously

B. 100 BMC College Scholarship Fair - Feedback - The Chair thanked those who were involved for giving of their time to create this event for our children. Commissioners who were chaperones shared their perspective on the event. Liaison Muhammad indicated that our social media on this event gained more that 600,000 views. Multiple commission stated that we need to stay connected to the students. Multiple students also indicated their desire to stay engaged with AAHAB. Commissioner Stoval volunteered to lead an engagement focus with these youth. Secretary Latimer to forward the Commissioner chaperone plus/delta document.

C. Black History Month Pageant - February 04, 2023 - Update - Commissioner Dale presented in Vice Chair Roberson’s absence due to needing to leave early. Committee also includes Commissioner Harrison. He explained the components, needs, and timeline of the Pageant. Budget increase from last month is primarily due to the need to secure a venue that will meet the needs of the Pageant. Venues considered were Aurora University, Waubonsee Community College, Copley Theatre, and Prisco Center. Recommendation to accept the budget as presented by the Pageant committee not to exceed $4,500. Voice vote. Unanimous

VIII. New Business

A. Parliamentarian Robert’s Rules Training - Commissioner Blakemore - No objection to table to a future date.

IX. For the Good of the Board - Board Calendar

- Winter Festival of Lights 11/25 - 12/25 - We will be notified of open dates.

- First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will be visiting Commissioner Stoval’s school on Monday.

X. Next Meeting – December 08 - 5:30 pm – City Hall

XI. Adjournment - Without objection, meeting adjourned at 7:36 pm

https://www.aurora-il.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11102022-3048