Ashley Anderson

The meeting included an Executive Director's report highlighting the commission's visibility and participation in events, including a summer internship with the Urban League and the Economic Development roundtable. Pillar Chair Reports were presented, covering Justice, Health, Sustainability, Economic Development, Youth, and Education. New business included discussions on Juneteenth events and invitations for commissioner participation. Announcements were made regarding upcoming events such as the Not Safe Here event on Black women's safety, the AZ NOW State Conference, and the Arizona Health Equity Conference. The commission is seeking a successor to the Health pillar chair and applicants for the Governor's Youth Commission.

The meeting included an Executive Director's report that highlighted the completion of a strategic plan with measurable goals, stakeholder engagement, and long-term sustainability. A website redesign was completed with improved functionality and accessibility. A new co-chair model was introduced for pillar management to expand leadership capacity. The commission was appointed to Governor Hobbs' workforce cabinet and participated in the Bridging Progress event. Public comments included concerns about community access to training grants. Community announcements included a grant opportunity for parent commission education grants and information on upcoming town halls. The Executive Director's Report was unanimously approved. The strategic plan and bylaws review were moved to Executive Session due to the absence of a quorum.

The meeting included reports from Pillar Chairs on Justice, Health, Sustainability, Economic Development, Youth, and Education. Old business included discussion of a protocol for drafting a letter about the McCalvin incident. Announcements included information about a weekly newsletter and a meeting regarding school closures at CNS Wellness Center.

The Arizona Commission of African American Affairs continues to address issues and support the Black community in Arizona. The Arizona African American Agenda highlights key issues such as economic development, equitable public education, equal justice, political equity, and health care. Ongoing issues include problems with AHCCCS and Black care providers, and concerns about the distribution of social equity licenses in Arizona's cannabis industry. The Executive Director is seeking funds for the upcoming conference and workshops and recommends initiatives including a community workshop with the Department of Child Services, a meet-the-candidates forum, a community meeting on education and Black history, and developing a five-year strategic plan for the Commission. Commissioners need to select a chair, first vice, and second vice by the next meeting and 5-year strategic plans need to be drafted and presented by the next meeting.

The meeting addressed several key areas, including the Executive Director's report, which outlined the vision for strengthening the Commission's role, immediate priorities such as meetings with Commissioners and agency executives, website revamping, administrative review, and voter education support. The report also touched on longer-term objectives related to economic development, justice, health, and education. Pillar Chair Reports covered strategic plans, webinars, presentations, and other initiatives related to justice, health, sustainability, economic development, youth, and education. Old business included updates on the Axon event for public safety innovations. New business items involved director onboarding, email reconnection, updating member information, and planning a potential retreat. The meeting also included a call to the public and announcements regarding upcoming events and programs.