This meeting is being transcribed and summarized.

Okay, we will go ahead and call our meeting to order.

Today is May 29th, 25th, 2026.

This is the Commission on the Social Status of African American males.

We'll go ahead and start with our roll call.

Commissioner Burris.

Okay, I can't hear anything.

Are we muted?

All right, there we go.

All right, okay.

Start with our roll call.

Commissioner Burris.

Present.

Commissioner Clayton.

Here.

Commissioner Ruff.

Here.

Commissioner St.

Germain.

And Commissioner Calbert.

We do have a quorum.

So we can go ahead and move forward with adoption of our minutes from the May 28th meeting.

Has everyone had a chance to review those.

I'll entertain a motion to adopt the minutes as printed.

I'll make a motion that we accept the minutes as printed.

We got a motion by Commissioner Saint Germain.

Commissioner Burris, if you're attempting to second, we can't hear you here.

Can you hear me second?

Can you hear me now?

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

Second by Commissioner Burrs.

Those in favor, signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Those opposed.

All right.

Before we move in to item number four, uh, we do have a new commissioner joining us, and we would like to welcome Lavar St.

Germain to the Commission on the Social Status of African American males.

And I'll open the floor for you at this time to give a little bit of your background and what brought you to the commission.

Um I currently am employed for the EVSC.

Um, working at AIS, Academy for Innovative Studies.

And so working in the school system, um, seeing the needs of our students, um, brought me to brought me to this commission.

Okay.

Well, thank you for uh, you know, stepping up and joining us, and we look forward to uh thank you.

Look forward to uh working with you and seeing how you can help us uh you know to better our community and our young people in particular.

Again, welcome.

Thank you.

Uh we do not have any presentations uh today, uh but moving into item number five, uh new business.

Um I'll go ahead and open uh the floor for uh feedback on the barbershop health initiative uh that was held uh last month in conjunction with the minority health coalition.

Um, you know, here in Evansville.

Uh we had believe five different shops that participated this year.

Um I was at Dapper Man.

I'm not sure if any of the other commissioners uh you know volunteered that day, but uh, you know, is there anyone who has heard anything or has something they'd like to share on that event?

All right, well, if not, I have not gotten the numbers yet of the uh on the number of screenings that took place.

Um, you know, we're awaiting that information from uh Ms.

Sabrina Cawthorne.

I'm sure that'll be forthcoming.

Um, just from what I did see at the pictures, it seemed to be a very well uh participated event.

Um plenty of volunteers, more volunteers than we actually needed.

Um I know for the commission, we kind of took on a different role uh this year of being part of the supporting cast um because of changes that have taken place at the state level.

Um, but it was a program that we wanted to uh you know see continue on.

Um, you know, that was one of the staple uh events of this commission and something that actually started here in Evansville and grew into a statewide event.

Um so uh you know, health screenings are very important, and within our community, health is something we tend not to talk about until uh you know we find out of someone you know being diagnosed or contracting an illness of some sort, and um at that point family health history all starts to come out rather than being proactive and open with that and equipping people with the knowledge to uh you know take steps to um I guess mitigate uh illness.

You know, there are a lot of things we're predisposed to anyway, um, you know, heart disease, diabetes and things of that nature.

So um, you know, the more information we have about the family health history, the better off we can be uh, you know, in taking care of our own health.

Um so anybody have anything they want to add on that.

Chair, I did speak with Sabrina, and uh she was very appreciative of uh your involvement.

She said she did a great job on the interview that our times did about the initiative.

I didn't know any of this.

I was um I was unable to make the event that day, so I was really glad to hear that there were so many commissioners that did participate.

Uh, and she did say I think that there were like sixty-five screens.

Wow.

Thank you.

Well, thank you for sharing that information with us.

Um you know, it didn't really look any different than it has in years past.

Um so that was one thing that I really you know like to see that we had continuity, you know, with the transition uh happening.

So uh, you know, the handoff was very very good, thorough.

And I want to thank you know you and your staff for uh you know your help in that.

Um so we're moving into our old business.

Um the million father march is scheduled for um August 14th, and I believe that is the first uh full day for attendance uh for EVSC students.

Um a few years ago they they started uh a uh I guess staggered attendance uh for the first week.

Um believe we have five schools lined up for that.

We did um we have five schools.

Um I did uh contact Tony Hamilton about being at those same schools this year.

She did respond.

She has heard back from all of them.

Um, mostly uh Glenwood, AIS, and Lodge have all confirmed wanting to participate again.

She just has had not at the time of this email heard back from Washington and Lincoln, but she thinks that um they will certainly participate again as well.

So it looks like all of those five schools will be a go again this year.

Okay.

Um, in years past, um CEMA has taken the lead at Lincoln.

I know they have a pretty lengthy partnership there with them, so I'm assuming they'll they'll be the uh serve there again, and we'll just need to fill in at the other five.

Um I know bread of life.

Total five.

Yeah, okay.

I know Bread of Life in previous years has covered Lodge, and I can reach out to Pastor Simmons and see if that's something they're willing to do again there.

Um so that leaves AIS Culver, Glenwood, and Lodge.

Um, not sure if everyone knows, but uh Angie Oliver has been promoted and will no longer be principal at Glenwood.

She's going to the central office.

I saw her yesterday.

So there's an opportunity there for us to build uh new relationship with uh leadership there at that school.

Um Miss Oliver and I go way way back.

Uh I am a proud graduate of Balsi High School.

Um, and uh she was there at the time as a math teacher and women's basketball coach you know, and is very very involved and has a heart and passion for uh you know students, um so we wish her well in her uh new position and uh look forward to meeting the new principal, you know, this year.

Um did you have an update on our strategic plan?

Yes, um, we do have a contract uh in place, and uh the um consultant will be contacting commissions with uh sort of getting a poll of the available dates.

Uh the session will probably happen at a different location, not here, um, and that is to be announced.

Uh hopefully we'll get the majority of commissioners that can participate in that session, and but yes, we are we are off and running.

Good deal.

Good deal.

I know it's been a rather lengthy discussion over the last year.

Um, that's a year and a half or so, really.

It's finally gonna it's finally happening, and uh, you know, I look forward to um you know hearing the information that uh you know they have to share to help us, you know, with planning and uh implementation of various various things that you know we can do to move the needle on a lot of issues, um they are plenty of sure.

Um so helping us to focus in on that uh you know is going to be much appreciated.

Um, anybody have any questions on what the strategic plan is or the role of the consultant?

I would like to know what the okay the strategic plan is.

Um, I believe it was last year there are a number of department heads from the city that um actually went through something similar to what we're doing.

And uh, you know, that was something that uh Diane wanted to do for all the commissions that fall under the auspice of the Human Relations Commission, um just to make sure we you know we're all on on one page and marching to to the beat of a single drum, you know, and seeing how how we can coordinate efforts and and uh things of that nature and make better use of resources beyond that, you know, just uh how we can better engage with the community and things of that nature.

Um so that's kind of it in a nutshell.

Um, anything else you want to add to it?

Just the end product is that you will have a strategic plan that you can refer to that will help to guide the work.

So uh item C under Old Business is police and community relations.

Um, we know that's still kind of an ongoing thing, and um it's kind of been something that we focused on, you know, this year in particular, with how to bridge that gap and bring bring all parties, you know, together to have a healthy productive conversation about ways to improve.

I know a few months ago we talked about police and community relations from a historic perspective, and you know, the mistrust that's there, you know, for that reason, um, you know, not wanting to make anyone uh, you know, interaction the the backdrop of what we're doing.

Um we know these incidents are not isolated, um, you know, and I would say to a degree it's an epidemic really nationally, and um, you know, it's something we see across communities in communities across the country.

Um, you know, and we just want to make sure that we're doing our part, you know, to educate the community, um, educate law enforcement agencies as well, um, you know, just on some of the some of the differences and the the provide you know cultural perspective.

Um, which again you fear what you don't know and who you don't know, what you don't understand.

And I think that's probably one of the single biggest, you know, issues within this topic, um, you know, in my opinion.

Um, and as a commission, you know, we've encouraged commissioners to go on a ride along, you know, see what the job is of law enforcement, understand it from their angle as well, um, just so we can speak about it from a knowledgeable point.

Um, you know, I probably went on a ride along about 16 years ago, so I'm more than past due.

I know a lot of officers have retired during that time.

Um, you know, so that's just an opportunity to to build relationships, you know, re-establish relationships and and build, you know, with uh you know, new officers that are there, um, you know, find out what departmental policies are and things of that nature, and um, which is actually a good segue into an event that's taking place tonight at Central Library.

Uh there, it's uh being hosted by the NAACP and Ma, Mothers at War, um, from 6 to 7 30.

It's a criminal justice educational forum.

Um, there will be representatives from uh EPD, the sheriff's office, the prosecutor's office, uh, misdemeanor court, the drug court, um, and a couple other organizations, if I'm not mistaken.

Um, so I would definitely encourage everyone who's able to attend that event to do so, just so we can hear you know firsthand.

Um there's also been some discussions to take place with Angie Watson, who is the founder and president of Maw about possibly partnering in the future.

Um they're basically you know we were planning something very similar to to what they're doing tonight, and rather than reinventing the wheel, uh, you know, just join along with what what's already in place and see how um you know we may be able to um you know partner with them in the future in future endeavors.

Does anyone have something they'd like to share, you know, on this topic?

I know there's lots of opinions on it.

We'll continue to see what capacity and resources that we can bring to advance uh this issue or concern, and that is you know to build bridges and build better understanding.

And I was just on a call, that's why I was a little bit late, and one of the agencies, they too are trying to build capacity to bring uh conflict resolution to their community.

So I'll just continue to try and learn from others and uh figure out how we can do it.

All right, thanks for sharing that information with us.

Um again, I think events like the one taking place tonight would be are a good starting point to at least be a part of the conversation.

Um restorative justice and things of that nature.

Um, kind of fall right in line with why this commission was created, uh, you know, of how to navigate through the systems and hardships that you know African American men face in particular.

So again, if you can't attend this event, do so.

Um I know they will be looking for some of us to be there, you know, for sure.

And um I look forward to hearing what what all the parties have to share.

Um my apologies.

What is that event again?

It's a the uh criminal justice educational forum being hosted by the NAACP and Ma, which is an acronym for Mothers at War, uh Search Library tonight at from 6 to 7 30 p.m.

Okay, thank you.

You're welcome.

Um next community gun violence.

Um uh Commissioner Culver usually has a report for us on this topic, however, uh he is currently at an active uh scene.

Um just took place within the last hour.

Um, so we do know that uh you know gun violence continues to be an issue, a concern, you know, here in the city.

Um and it it's summer, and we all know it tends to increase as it gets hotter, um, you know, for a number of different reasons.

Um so just be on the lookout for you know different things you may hear of various activity and things of that nature.

Um, all else remain safe, and hopefully we'll be able to get some info from him either by email or uh so usually when he doesn't make a meeting, we get numbers over the couple of months period of time, so um, if nothing else, we'll hear from him in our uh July meeting on that.

And next is our youth outreach.

I know the dust bowl is going on right now at Garvin Park, so that's a great opportunity for us to get out.

You know, engage with the youth that is being hosted at Garvin Park this year, which is a new site.

Um I've seen lots of pictures on Facebook.

Um looks like it's been a uh very well attended event.

Um I talked to a number of people this week who have said everyone you know seems to be in good spirits.

Um nothing's really changed other than the venue, so that's that's really encouraging.

Um to hear because I know that was one concern was how attendance would be and things of that nature, uh, you know, with the with the location changing.

Um, and it's been people of all ages uh you know that have been out there as well.

Um, and then I did receive an email from Commissioner Ruff on something that she's working on.

Um, I don't know if you want to give an overview of uh you know what that may be, and then you know, you can make a formal presentation at our next meeting, but I'll open the floor for you now.

My apologies.

I'm currently at an appointment so I won't be able to discuss a lot right now.

But um I can send the summary proposal that I had to everybody and the email that I had sent to you if that's okay.

Yeah that's fine.

Yeah.

Chair.

Yes ma'am um we do have something that we'd like to uh add um and it's in response to Commissioner Burse uh did send out an email last month uh with um you know a survey a draft survey uh but I also want to introduce Samantha Fleischaker she is um our new education and outreach coordinator um I did share his draft survey with her and she's been working on uh you know uh putting some tweaks on it adding a few demographic questions and things like that just in the event that I wasn't sure if you were want if you wanted that to go to go out to the Dust Bowl this this week or not or tomorrow uh but um she's been working on it so I think the dust bowl would be a I mean it'd be a great opportunity it's a captive audience and uh the folks we want to hear from just need enough commissioners or a few even uh to go out but Samantha do you want to introduce yourself and what you've been doing.

Good afternoon Commission my name is Samantha Flashacre and for the past two weeks I've been serving the human relations commission as their education and outreach coordinator and a lot of the work I've been doing is a lot of support but a lot of education learning statutes and ordinances and being able to support our community every single person in our community best.

Being able to also do this through the Evansville Or fellowship but overall being able to do outreach for the office so that people understand what we do and the resources that we provide so if I can be a resource or support for any of you at all please don't hesitate to reach out and email me.

Well thank you so much you know for for joining and uh you know look forward to working with you.

Because I know I've had a number of conversations with a lot of people about this something along the lines of this probably over the last couple of years so I'm really glad to see that that something has come to fruition um you know and and focused you know on the research and things of that nature particular so thank you.

Thank you.

We want to thank Commissioner Burris for um doing that providing us with that draft and uh we can email you what um uh Samantha has has amended and um but it's I think it's ready to go if I don't know if you've gotten your phone out to take a look at it or not but uh if there's any suggestions before you leave and any commissioner that would like to go we can we can email those or have or print them out and have them ready for you if you if you're so inclined to go uh to Dust Bowl tomorrow.

I mean I plan on going tomorrow or Saturday myself.

I was going to go tonight until I another event.

Yeah saw that flyer yesterday um yeah so um I don't know have you sent the has the survey been sent out to the rest to the commissioners no uh we we we plan to do that but just um it's hot off the press off the press all right I just think it's great that we got it uh tweaked and everything and put together yeah I I wanted to I'm gonna say something at the end.

I was gonna wait to see to make sure that everybody received it because I hadn't had no feedback, so I was I was wondering if I sent it wrong or something, but I'm glad it was received.

Yeah, we actually have a QR code here um in the meeting room uh with the uh with the survey.

So um that was something that we could take out to the Dust Bowl and just have people scan.

Uh I don't know too many people who are without cell phones anymore.

Um so you know that'll be some great information for us to get um and you know kind of help steer steer a direction for us.

Um, we can backdoor quarterback this all day long and completely miss the mark.

Um so being take being able to hear firsthand uh you know from the community of things that that are interest of interest to them and uh you know help us to focus is gonna be really really really great.

Um she did send the survey.

Okay, and so the survey has been sent out.

No, no, I mean um commissioner did send the overview on.

Okay, the overview.

Okay, cool.

Okay.

All right.

So is there anything else or any announcements or anything that anyone would like to share?

Well, hearing none, I will entertain a motion to adjourn.

Second.

Second, so motion by Commissioner Burr, second by Commissioner Ruff.

Those in favor?

Aye.

Those opposed.

All right.

We are adjourned.