HomeMy WebLinkAbout08072019 MBK MinsMY BROTHER'S KEEPER COMMITTEE MEETING
Sanford City Hall, Railroad Depot Conference Room
August 7, 2019 at 4:OOPM ( 300 North Park Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771
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MEETING MINUTES
I. CALL TO ORDER/ WELCOME
Meeting called to order by Chairman Eddie Cochran at 4:03 PM.
II. Introductions
Present:
Eddie Cochran —
Chainnan
Charles Wright —
Co Chairman
Thelisha Thomas
— Committee Member
Lowman Oliver —
Committee Member
Sylvester Wynn
— Committee Member
Rose Washington
— Committee Member
Fritz Voltaire — Committee Member
Commissioner Kerry Wiggins Sr.
Absent:
Staff:
Andrew Thomas
Sheena Britton
Britt Henderson
III. Approve June 17, 2019 Meeting Minutes
Pastor Oliver moved to approve the June 17, 2019 meeting minutes. Seconded by Ms.
Thomas and carried unanimously by vote of the committees follows
Eddie Cochran
Aye
Charles Wright
Aye
Thelisha Thomas
Aye
Lowman Oliver
Aye
Sylvester Wynn
Aye
Rose Washington
Aye
Fritz Voltaire
Aye
IV. Old Business
a. Review Action Plan
Mr. Cochran opened discussion regarding the action plan. He suggested to keep the
action plan that was submitted by the Sanford Future Claimers. Mr. Wright referred
to the plan as the 50 foot level vision of the program and how the committee is
going to incorporate the overall goals of MBK, including identifying what partners
that can be used to help support the vision of the plan. He added that the top two
priorities for him are an increase in mentorship and a decrease in violence. Pastor
Oliver addressed concerns regarding the intake counseling process. The committee
discussed pulling data, minorities, statistical breakdown, criminal acts and ratios.
Ms. Washington cautioned the committee to prioritize and set up a true foundation.
Mr. Wright suggested, at the next meeting, each person on the committee should
provide information on the organizations each member is affiliated with, as well as
what skill sets the individuals may provide that may be an asset to the committee.
The chairman discussed using Microsoft Teams as a form of communication on
future projects and documentation. He stated he would try to upload the MBK
action plan for the committee to review and suggest what data and comments should
be added.
b. Update on Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice Report
Mr. Cochran provided the Crime Analysis statistical SPD arrest report. The
information for the request was obtained by pulling data regarding Offense Reports
resulting in an arrest that occurred in the City of Sanford from 01/01/2014-
07/31/2019. The Board discussed the data provided. The data only reflected Black
and Hispanic male arrestees who were between the ages of 5-25 and reported crimes
that identify an incident location.
c. Update on Educational Statistics
Dropout, in building suspensions, out of school suspensions, arrest on school
grounds and overall disciplinary actions
Mr. Wynn provided the committee with the data regarding school suspensions of
all Seminole County schools. The data was divided by grade level, gender, race,
ethnicity and infractions. Mr. Wynn discussed alternative measures to discipline
instead of out of school suspensions.
V. New Business
a. MBK Town Hall Meeting discussion
Mr. Cochran reviewed the notes from the Town Hall Meeting facilitated by Jeffrey
Kennedy. Mr. Cochran stated three points of interest from the meeting were; 1) We
have to care about the young men of color and not be afraid of them. 2) No excuses
for failure. 3) You have to think about developing the whole child.
b. Young Men of Excellence (YME) discussion
Commissioner Kerry Wiggins gave a brief overview of how the Young Men of
Excellence was established. He informed the committee that the group was started
at Seminole High School with approximately 30 kids as an after school program
from the vision of Mr. Blackshear. Now, there are three classes at Seminole High
School. All the schools in Seminole County with the exception of Hagerty and
Oviedo High School have the YME program. The initiative seeks to enhance the
social, emotional and academic outcomes for African American males in Seminole
County Public Schools. He informed the Board that the YME program was not
built for the disadvantaged or poor grade male. The program has been so successful
because there is a mix of young people who have challenges and the student that
excels in school. There are students that have both parents in the home and there
are students that have single parents' homes. The objective is to lift each other up.
Mr. Wynn added that young men go on field trips, they visit colleges and
universities. The goal is to expand the program. This year 2019 was the fourth
graduating class of YME. Mr. Wynn discussed the selection process. He also
stated that there is a Young Women of Excellence.
c. List of potential projects for future consideration
- Obama Foundation Fellowships
- Summer employment program for the ages of 19-24
Mr. Thomas urged the committee to spread the word about the positive things that
are happening in our community, like the success of the Young Men of Excellence,
it no longer needs to be the best kept secret. Mr. Thomas opened discussion
regarding the next steps; once the students graduate what kind of succession plans
are set in place, fellowships, mental stability and positive reinforcement.
VI. Committee round table discussion
Each committee member had the opportunity to address concerns and or inform the
board of any suggests, programs and activities. Victor Towns graduate of Seminole
High School and former president of the Young Men of Excellence told the committee
about his experiences with YME and the advantages of being a part of the group. The
Board requested to have a link to the information to the City of Sanford's MBK page.
VII. Public Comment
The City of Sanford Communications Officer, Lisa Holder, commented that she wants
to promote what is happening with the MBK via podcasts, social media outlets etc.
VIII. Meeting adjourned.
Meeting recorded by Sheena Britton.
MBK Chairman