Sterling Heights is forming an African American Coalition on Equity. The announcement was made by City Manager Mark Vanderpool at the June 16 Regular City Council meeting.
The purpose of the Coalition will be to create a forum that helps connect City leadership with the 10,000+ Black residents that call Sterling Heights home. The group will provide an opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities centered on racial equity within Sterling Heights and beyond.
“In light of recent events, City Administration has taken pause to reflect on all that we have been doing in terms of diversity and inclusion in our community,” said City Manager Mark Vanderpool. “While we have forged significant and meaningful relationships among religious and ethnic communities within our City, with respect to racial diversity, we can do more, and we have a responsibility to be part of the solution. The formation of this group is one of the first steps in that process.”
The group will be comprised of African American residents; community leaders representing government, education, health care, business, clergy and more; and representatives from groups like Black Lives Matter, Macomb Ministerial Alliance, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Macomb County Interfaith Center for Racial Justice and others.
"For many years, Sterling Heights has shared a vision of being a vibrant and inclusive community for all residents,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor. “I’m thrilled to see the City taking the steps to reach out to our African American community and begin the important dialogue to ensure we are living up to our inclusionary vision for all residents. It is imperative that every single one of our residents feels equally safe and at home in our exceptional City.”
The City will host the first meeting for this group within the next 30 days. If you are interested in participating in the Coalition, please contact Community Relations Director Melanie Davis at 586-446-2471 or mdavis@sterling-heights.net.