MT. VERNON -The Mt. Vernon Minority Affairs and Human Relations Commission worked to counteract violence and drug use in the community and celebrated black history in 2011, according to its annual report.
The annual National Night Out was a success with more attendees than ever before, said Mt. Vernon Minority Affairs and Human Relations Commission Chairman Rolland Mays.
In addition, the commission worked in conjunction with City Schools District 80 to reward the winners of an essay contest during a Black History Month program held Feb. 23 at the Casey Middle School gymnasium.
"The city was nice enough to give us $200, which we donated to District 80," Mays said. "It was given in $25 awards to the young folks who wrote essays."
Mays said he is in discussion with the art department at Mt. Vernon Township High School to see if the commission can include visual arts in the Black History Month program next year.
The commission participated in a workshop with United States Attorney Steve Whittington, Mays said, in which hate crimes were discussed.
Mt. Vernon Mayor Mary Jane Chesley thanked the commission for its hard work.
"We don't give enough recognition to our boards or committees," Chesley said. "I want to express deep appreciation for your 13-member committee. I really do appreciate all that you do for the city of Mt. Vernon, the sincerity with which you do it and the hard work with which it's done."
Mays thanked Brandon Bullard and the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce for putting together the report books at no cost to the city of Mt. Vernon.
The report included the commission's bylaws and mission statement, which is, "We are a diverse group of caring people who foster understanding and promote equality to share a better future for our city."
The members of the commission are Brandon Bullard, representing the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce; Mike Green, representing City Schools District 80; Dr. Michael Smith, representing Mt. Vernon Township High School; James Malone, representing the Jefferson County Chapter of the NAACP; Robert Whiteside, representing a religious organization; Nicole Villani, as a representative for the Jefferson County State's Attorney; Ron Neibert, representing the City of Mt. Vernon; Mt. Vernon Police Department Chief Chris Mendenall; and Mt. Vernon Fire Department Chief Jim Brown.
At large members include Rolland Mays, Angie Moore, Oscar Brown and Brenda Cain. - http://goo.gl/vv1XD
