Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer poses for a photo with Deputy Gov. Garlin Gilchrist before she delivers the state’s state letter to lawmakers in the House of Representatives at the Michigan State Capitol Building in Lansing, Wednesday, January 29, 2020 (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com) Mike Mulholland | MLive.com
The government on Thursday appointed Gretchen Whitmer 16 residents to the Black Leadership Advisory Council, which will develop and recommend policies to address racial inequality in Michigan
The council, the first of its kind, will collaborate with the Whitmer Office and the Black Community to promote legislation that ensures fair treatment and addresses inequalities in Michigan. It will also act as a resource for community groups, promote cultural arts in the black community and provide information, advice, or other action based on The governor’s request, says Whitmire’s office,
Whitmer, who announced the appointments on November 12 in a press release, said that listening to a diverse group of leaders had been a priority for her administration « from day one »
“In order to counter systematic racism head-on, we need members like those on this board to inform our work in state government,” said Whitmer. This group of leaders includes experts in economics, public policy, health, technology, the environment, and more.
The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on black people was prompted by Watmire to create the board with an Executive Order announced on August 5, which declared racism a public health crisis
Black patients account for around 34% of the COVID-19 deaths in the state even though they only make up 15% of the state’s population
The Governor’s executive directive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services was to make healthy equality a priority and required implicit bias training for all state employees. Whitmer also established the Michigan Task Force on Racial Disparities, headed by First Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II
“By establishing the Black Leadership Advisory Council, we affirm a fact that Michigan has benefited for generations: The leadership that blacks have demonstrated in all areas of life and work is critical to the vitality and prosperity of our state,” Gilchrist said in his November 12 press release
Gilchrist said in November that the importance of hearing the voices of blacks and other minorities was emphasized during the 6 presidential elections.
Gilchrist said in November: « The Council gives the state’s largest ethnic minority group an authorized presence at the policy and decision-making tables. » 12 Press Releases “These leaders’ diverse perspectives will be essential because we work to combat the systemic inequalities that afflict so many Michigan people I am excited to work alongside them to create the state of Michigan that enables all Michigan residents to pursue their dreams and their full potential ”
The council will be located within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunities. It will identify state laws, or loopholes in the law, that perpetuate inequality. To help the council in its performance, advisory committees will be formed specializing in the areas of education, community safety, health, and business.
James Waterbury Sr., from Southfield, was a commissioner for Benton and founded the Brotherhood Church of All Nations. Atterbury holds a Ministry of Achievement Certificate from Moody Bible College. He will represent the religious community on the council for a term beginning November 12 and ending December 31, 2022
Donna Bell, from Southfield, is the Global Director of Technology, Strategy and Planning at Ford Motor Company. Bell holds a Master of Science degree in engineering management, electronics, and computer control systems, as well as a Ph.D. in industrial systems engineering from Wayne State University that will represent technology leadership. Black Gold for a period beginning on November 12 and ending on December 31, 2022
Christopher Bertley, from Flint, Associate Attorney with Foley & Lardner LLP Bertley holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from James Madison College of Michigan State University and a Doctor of Laws degree from University of Michigan Law School and will represent black leadership in law for a period beginning November 12 It ends December 31, 2022
Jerry Clayton Sr., of Ypsilanti, is the mayor of Washtenaw County and serves as a training consultant for the National Institute of Corrections and CEO of Cardinal Group II, a police and corrections practice training company who will represent black leadership in community safety and preparedness for a period beginning November 12 and ending on December 31 2022
Kelly Ellsworth Echison, from East Lansing, is Senior Marketing and Diversity Officer at LAFCU. Ellsworth Echison holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Northwood University who will represent black leadership in economics for a period beginning November 12 and ending December 31, 2022
Justin Onwenu, from Detroit, is an organizer of environmental health at the Sierra Club and holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Health and Politics from Rice University. Onwenu has been appointed to represent black leadership in the environmental sector, and is a member between the ages of 18 and 35, for a term beginning in November 12 and will end on December 31, 2021
Kelsey Purdue, of Grand Rapids, is Director of the Kids Count Project in Michigan for the Michigan Public Policy Association and Director of Storytelling and Communication at Urban Core Collective with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Howard University Purdue has been appointed to represent black leadership in public policy, and a member Between the ages of 18 and 35, with a term beginning November 12 and ending on December 31, 2022
Kathy Burnell, from Kalamazoo, is a staff attorney at Justice for Our Neighbors-Michigan, a non-profit organization providing immigration legal services. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Harvard University, a Ph.D. in Government from Cornell University, and a PhD in Law from Law School DePaul University Purnell has been appointed to represent black leadership in law, immigrant member or individual with immigration policy experience, for a period beginning November 12 and ending December 31, 2021
Rochelle Riley, from Detroit, is the Detroit arts and culture director and former award-winning columnist for the Detroit Free Press. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Riley is appointed to represent black leadership in media and communications. Arts and Culture for a period beginning on November 12 and ending on December 31, 2023. The Governor has appointed Mrs. Riley to serve as Co-Chair of the Council
Teresa Roach, from Flint, is the Program Director for Active Communities for the Crim Fitness Foundation and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Central Michigan University and a Master of Communication in & Digital Media Design from Saginaw Valley State University Roach is appointed to represent black health and wellness leadership for a period beginning on November 12 and ending on December 31, 2021
Joel Rutherford, from Warren, is the head of the official Macomb County Democratic Black Caucus and is a veteran of the US Air Force who worked as an air traffic control specialist. Rutherford was appointed to represent the black leadership in the government for a period beginning on November 12 and ending on December 31, 2022
Michelle Samuels, from Farmington Hills, is the Vice President, Auditor General, and Compliance Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Windsor and an Executive MBA from Michigan State University. Samuels is appointed to represent the black leadership in The field of health and wellness for a period beginning on November 12 and ending on December 31, 2023
Sir Saar, from Detroit, is the founder of the African Bureau of Immigration and Social Affairs (ABISA). She also works as a Community District Program Assistant for Detroit Public Schools and holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Wayne State University and a Master of Social Justice from Marigrove College. Saar to represent black leadership in education, immigrant member or individual with immigration policy experience, for a period beginning November 12 and ending on December 31, 2022
Michelle Suri Robinson, from West Bloomfield, is the President and CEO of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Oklahoma State University and a PhD in Law from the University of Kansas Suri Robinson is appointed to represent the black leadership in the economy for a period beginning on November 12 and ending on December 31, 2023
Carl M Williams, of Saginaw, is the Vice President of the NAACP Saginaw Chapter, previously served as state representative for House District # 95, supportive mayor, and member of Saginaw City Council Williams retired from Delphi Automotive Systems where he was production supervisor and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University Mr. Williams has been appointed to represent the black leadership in public policy for a period beginning on November 12 and ending on December 31, 2023
Robert Womack, of Grand Rapids, is a Kent County Commissioner who serves on the Financial and Material Resources Committee and is also the General Manager and Program Director for WYGR 949 FM Radio and Community Empowerment, Inc Womack is appointed to represent the black leadership in public policy for a period beginning on November 12 and ending on December 31, 2023 Governor Womack appointed to be the Co-Chair of the Council
Terence D. Martin, from Detroit, is president of the Detroit Teachers Federation (DFT) and former elementary teacher for Detroit Public Schools. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from St. Francis University and a Masters in Teaching from Marigrove College Martin will serve as Chair of the Education Committee
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Tevery Brent, from Detroit, is the co-chair of Dignity 4 Detroit, a coalition of community leaders created to tackle violence in Detroit Brent. He is the founder, leader, and member of several criminal justice reform organizations and has been organizing against urban violence for over 25 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University and an MBA from the Baker College Graduate Center Brent will be chair of the Community Safety Committee.
Alexis Day, of Muskegon, is the Director of Communications and Development at Hackley Community Care currently serving as Chair of the Muskegon Health Inequalities Alliance and will be serving as Chair of the Health Committee
Karen Carter, from Midland, is Principal Human Resources and Principal Inclusion Officer at The Dow Chemical Company. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Howard University and an MBA in International Business from DePaul University Mrs. Carter will chair the Business Leaders Committee
Additionally, mention actor Brenda Carter, D-Pontiac, who will serve on board as Honorary Representative of the Michigan Black Legislative Assembly
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