MEDIA RELEASE
After Cleveland City Council unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Councilwoman Deborah A. Gray and Councilwoman Stephanie D. Howse last month, applications are now open for the new City of Cleveland Commission for Black Women and Girls.
The newly formed Commission will advocate, initiate and champion programs and legislation to improve outcomes for Black women and girls, their families and communities.
“The establishment of a Commission entirely focused on improving the lives of Black women and girls at the local level is not only historic, but necessary,” Mayor Bibb stated. “Black women are the backbone of our communities and I’m looking forward to centering their lived experience in policy decisions and programs – it can only make us all stronger,” Mayor Bibb added.
The Commission will advise both the mayor and city council in making legislation and program recommendations based on a data-driven approach.
The Commission will consist of 12 members and 2 ex-officio members. To fulfill the requirements of the legislation, women serving on the Commission will represent a wide range of demographics from the faith and labor community to corporate and medical fields.
“The goal of this Commission is to create structural representation in government that gives Black women and girls a voice in identifying the problems facing their communities and most importantly, in designing the solutions,” Councilwoman Howse said.
“Too often, Black women are ignored or made to feel invisible. The launch of this Commission is historic because it creates a platform for change designed by Black women, for Black women, unleashing our collective power to deliver effective, culturally appropriate programs and legislation,” Councilwoman Gray stated.
Applications for the City of Cleveland Black Women and Girls Commission are now open. The deadline to submit applications is Wednesday, August 3, 2022 by no later than 11:59 p.m. Applicants may mail their applications or submit online.
For more details on eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the Mayor’s website here.