Explanation
This ordinance amends Columbus City Code to establish the Columbus African American Male Empowerment Commission. On January 16, 2006 Mayor Michael Coleman and Councilmember Kevin L. Boyce convened an African American male summit. The impetus for this summit was to determine the nature of the issues causing the disproportionate increase in homicide rates, high-school dropout rates, as well as the growing population trends for African American males in the Columbus area. 76% of the murder victims in 2005 were African American males as were 72% of the suspects, while 69% of these suspects were under 30 years old. The Commission will evaluate activities and programs that currently exist throughout the community, develop an action plan, host an annual convening of stake-holders, and make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council.
The Commission will maintain a minimum of the following 4 subcommittee areas:
· Prevention - Coordinate prevention and rehabilitation programs to reduce the incidence of violence for African American males.
· Business - Promote business ownership and entrepreneurial efforts, employ African American males.
· Educational/Social Development - Create opportunities for social development, educational improvement, and mentoring resource access.
· Faith Base - Coordinate services with existing resource opportunities with faith-based organizations, social service agencies, and community entities.
Fiscal Impact:
NA.
Title
To enact a new Chapter of Columbus City Codes, 1959, to establish the Columbus African American Male Empowerment Commission.
Body
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council and the Mayor believe that rising crime rates and violence bring extraordinary challenges to African American males in Columbus; and
WHEREAS, one approach to improve outcomes for African American males is through the creation of the Columbus African American Empowerment Commission to advise community leaders,...
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