A RESOLUTION BY DETROIT CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
JAMES E. TATE JR. AND ANDRE L. SPIVEY
RESOLUTION CREATING THE CITY COUNCIL TASK FORCE ON BLACK MALE ENGAGEMENT
WHEREAS It is clear that African Americans bear a unique historical scar that has
harshly impacted generations of individuals in the United States. Across the country, a growing number of African American men face
significant socioeconomic ch
allenges that threaten the stability of their
families and their neighborhoods. Empirical evidence and statistical
data consistently reveal that African American men have higher rates
of incarceration/recidivism, drug/alcohol use, institutionalization,
premature death (violence and illness related) as well as poverty. Many institutional as well as self-induced factors contribute to the
generational challenges these same men encounter; and
WHEREAS A great number of African American men have overcome the shared
challenges that plague inner cities across the U.S. and validate that an
individual’s beginning point in life does not determine their future. These men are the fathers, uncles and neighbors that are working to
repair the damage that the scourge of apathy that has besieged upon
too many communities in America. Concerned individuals working
collaboratively to pool their resources and talents has been proven to
be the best approach to solve major issues; and
WHEREAS The United States House of Representatives established
“Congressional Caucus on Black Men and Boys” in 2013 to address
the crisis among African American men on a national level. Unfortunately, the impact of any positive solution based conversation
from that entity has not been felt by the population of the city of
Detroit. The need for a locally based task force whose sole purpose is
to improve the trajectory for African American males in Detroit is
evident. Non-action regarding this matter will only allow the current
situation to worsen, thus continuing to hamper the quality of life for
city residents; NOW THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED That the Detroit City Council hereby creates the Task Force on Black
Male Engagement until December 31, 2014. The Task Force on Black
Male Engagement will work diligently with community stakeholders
to deliberate on the socioeconomic challenges facing African youth
and men residing in the city, create a strategic plan of action to provide
strong leadership and mentoring where needed; and BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED The many areas of concern for the Task Force on Black Male Engagement will include cultural awareness, community service, family responsibility, health/disease prevention, character building, career preparation, education advancement, and financial literacy; and BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED That the Task Force on Black Male Engagement will be chaired jointly
by Council Members James E. Tate, Jr. and Andre L. Spivey; and BE
IT FINALLY
RESOLVED That the Task Force on Black Male Engagement meetings are open to
the public; with dates, times and locations to be noticed by the Office of the City Clerk.
