Subject
Government Commissions, Black men and youth, Social Status
Description
The Commission on Social Status of Black Men and Boys (CSSBMB) held a public business meeting virtually on January 14. The meeting was chaired by Florida’s 24th congressional district representative Fredricka Wilson.
Rep. Wilson opened the meeting by talking about the need to “remain vigilant” in combating education, justice, civil rights, healthcare, labor and employment, housing, and other problems that stagnate and, in “worst cases kill” black men and boys.
Rep. Wilson added that the committee desired to create “stronger communities and healthier society for everyone,” including black men and boys.
Detailing the order of business, Rep. Wilson said that the committee would meet “at least four times a year” and work on an extensive and comprehensive annual report addressing current conditions affecting black men and boys.
Rep. Wilson discussed the importance of subcommittee areas and noted that four meetings were not enough to keep the commission moving, which is why she introduced sub-committees to give a judiciary space to the hearings. Each subcommittee would deal with a different issue impacting Black men and boys.
The program manager, M Suber Williams, laid out the importance of staffing, general support, and current studies and research on black men and boys for the committee’s efficient functioning.
Rep. Wilson added that the committee would be sensitizing people during Black History Month to make them more aware of the commission’s issues.
“It’s time. It’s long overdue,” she said, requesting the staff to submit a budget for the committee’s operations. She added that the commission would also set up an “independent” social media.
Adding to Rep. Wilson’s line of thought, New York’s 16th congressional district Jamaal Bowman highlighted the importance of providing black men and boys space to become who they truly are. “If we can give them the opportunity to unlock their magic, brilliance, strength, excellence, and potential, then it’s over for white supremacy, for settler colonialism and everything that’s been keeping us down,” he said.
Creator
The Black Male Archives Team
Publisher
Preservation Media
File
