Upcoming ‘Unity in OUR Community’ Meeting Open to the Public

Photo from an initial meeting of the Unity in OUR Community Committee, held on November 21st. Photo providedPhoto from an initial meeting of the Unity in OUR Community Committee, held on November 21st. Photo provided

By Dr. Mabala Nyalugwe—

Muncie, IN—So much work has been done by various groups and individuals in the African American Community over the years. In November, a panel of our African American leaders was invited to an initial gathering on November 21, at Greater Kingdom Life Ministry, 901 East 29th Street, Muncie IN. Community members met to discuss interests, concerns, and challenges in OUR community and possible strategies of collective action. The meeting was designed to provide a vital resource as to what opportunities are already available—and to address whatever interests and concerns that might arise from within the African American Community.

Invited leaders were encouraged to utilize the opportunity to encourage advocacy and galvanize material and physical support for work already underway through various organizations (to avoid reinventing the wheel due to a lack of information) and to help us know how to provide tangible support to efforts already addressing the interests and concerns of our community.

Mrs. Watasha Barnes- Griffin was the moderator and all who were present were given an opportunity to introduce themselves and share interests and or concerns. From the passionate discussions that ensued, several issues were raised, and while the next meeting was proposed to be in January 2021, requests for a sooner meeting has led to a December 12 , 2020 follow up meeting.

The Unity In OUR Community Committee will meet again, Saturday, December 12, at 2:00 pm, to discuss interests and concerns and continue our conversation on issues presented at the first meeting which included information on:

  • Home Ownership……critical not only for the valuation of our neighborhoods, but also acquiring personal financial independence
  •  Developing African American Male Leadership
  •  Delaware County Muncie Black Chamber of Commerce – why the need when we already have a local Chamber of Commerce
  •  Diversifying the workforce (various sectors) to represent the level of diversity in the community
  •  Policing and neighborhood relationships – what would be ideal and how can this be improved
  •  Restoring the Village – mentorship and genuine relationships between the younger adults and seasoned citizens

The public is encouraged to join us for an informal gathering to brainstorm what we could do to continue moving our community forward.

WHEN:      Saturday December 12, 2020

TIME:         2pm to 4pm

WHERE:   Greater Kingdom Life Ministry, 901 East 29th Street, Muncie IN 47302

Masks, Social Distancing, and Temperature Screening will be enforced due to COVID 19.

The initial Unity in OUR Community leaders included the following individuals:

  1. Mabala Nyalugwe, MD
  2. Bishop Renzie Abram (Pastor Emeritus. Berea Church)
  3. Elder William Snell
  4. Evette Young
  5. Cornelius Dollison (Whitely Community Council Board Member, retired)
  6. Watasha Barnes Griffin (Chapter President Indiana Black Expo Muncie Chapter, Co- chair MLK Dream Team, CEO, YWCA Central Indiana)
  7. Pastor Maria Wilson (Mobilize Muncie)
  8. Joseph Anderson (President, NAACP)
  9. Mary Dollison (Whitely Community Council Co Chair Education Committee, community activist, retired teacher)
  10. Dr. Ruby Cain (V. P (Faculty), Black Faculty & Staff Association (BFSA), Director, Adult and Community Education, Associate Professor of Practice, Adult & Community Education

 

RSVP/Questions to Dr. Mabala Nyalugwe at 765-876-8055 (text or call)