COMMITTEE ON MINORITY AFFAIRS
MINUTES
OCTOBER 26, 1999
OTHERS: CHANG, ETTERE
GUESTS: SEE ATTACHED LIST
There is tape on file for more detailed information.
The meeting was called to order at 12:50 pm.
MINUTES:
Legislator Bronz made a motion to approve the minutes of September 21, 1999 and was seconded by Chair Young. The motion was carried by a vote of 2-0.
Chair Young stated that he has been in touch with Mr. Milton Sherrill concerning the Martin Luther King, Jr. sculpture. Chair Young would like to have a Committee meeting in December with Mr. Sherrill to continue the discussion on this project. Mr. Chang has been in touch with Jerry Mulligan from the Westchester County Department of Planning who was involved with the construction of the Holocaust and the Great Hunger Memorials. When Mr. Mulligan returns from vacation he will provide “footprints” of both projects which the Committee can use as a guide for the Martin Luther King, Jr. sculpture.
Chair Young introduced Ms. Donna Taylor, Ms. Shaneka Easterling and Mr. Richard Thomas of the Mount Vernon High School (MVHS) Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Mr. Thomas, President, is requesting guidance and assistance in having a “Youth Day” at the Westchester County Center. Mr. Oney Reynolds, Director of Sales/Marketing for the County Center, was in attendance.
MINUTES – OCTOBER 26, 1999
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Mr. Thomas explained that the FBLA is an international student youth organization 250,000 strong. The MVHS FBLA is part of District 3, which consists of local chapters in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange and Sullivan Counties. Its primary goal is to bring both business and education together by teaching students to take knowledge obtained in the classroom and apply it to the workplace. Mr. Thomas feels there is a lack of communication between the students of today and leaders of tomorrow. He would like to attempt to narrow this gap by creating an event that is both appealing and educational.
Mr. Thomas would like to hold a “career day” at the County Center that is followed with a fashion/talent show or a concert. Mr. Thomas went on to explain his expectations of this “Youth Day” and how it would be organized. He feels that by creating such an event it could help change the perception of teens from negative to positive.
Mr. Reynolds urged Mr. Thomas to begin with an event of a smaller magnitude. If it works out, he can then upscale the next year and so forth. He also explained that the County Center would not sign a contract with a student organization to hold a concert because of legalities. Mr. Reynolds thinks Mr. Thomas has a great idea and would help in any way to iron out small guidelines and details.
Legislator Bronz made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 1:30 pm and was seconded by Chair Young. The motion was carried by a vote of 2-0.