Explanation
This resolution creates the Commission on Black Girls to study and assess the quality of life of Black girls in Central Ohio. The Commission will develop and implement recommendations to ensure opportunities, successful futures, and the achievement of a high quality of life for Black girls in Columbus. Focusing on girls ages 11-22, the Commission will first participate in fact-finding and education to learn more about the current quality of life Black girls in Columbus. Meetings of the Commission will be held monthly for the first six months and quarterly thereafter and, in addition, the Commission will hold listening sessions with members of the community. The Commission will exist until December 31, 2020, unless, prior to that date, City Council enacts legislation to make the Commission permanent.
Title
To create and establish a Commission on Black Girls to study and assess factors that impact the quality of life for Black girls in Columbus and make recommendations that will ensure successful futures and achievement of a high quality of life, and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, in 2013, 43 percent of Black women without a high school degree were living in poverty compared to 28 percent of White women with the same levels of education; and
WHEREAS, in 2009 over 15,000 Black girls in Franklin County were living in poverty; and
WHEREAS, 1,700 Black women were served in shelters in Franklin County between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017; and
WHEREAS, national data shows that Black girls are 5.5 times more likely to be suspended from school than White girls; and
WHEREAS, Black girls comprise about 30% of overall enrollment in Columbus City Schools and during the 2013-2014 school year 16.9% of Black girls were given suspensions compared to 8.5% of White girls; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, the homicide rate among Black girls and women ages 10 to 24 was higher than for any other group of females and because, locally, homicides were tied...
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