Commission on the Social Status of African American Males delivers 2024 report, requests county representation and funding clarity

Nick Pollock, president of the Michigan City Commission on the Social Status of African American Males, presented the commission’s 2024 annual report to the Common Council on March 18 and asked the council to consider adding or rotating a commission seat for La Porte County representation.

Pollock outlined the commission’s committee work in criminal justice, education, economic and employment programs, health initiatives and social factors. The commission said it secured donations including $8,000 from the county (two $4,000 donations) and a $2,000 donation from the Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters to support workforce development.

Pollock said the commission voted to pursue an ordinance amendment allowing a county representative on the commission, on the basis that the county has provided financial support. “I would like you to take that under consideration,” Pollock said, adding the county and city could alternate the seat or add a new seat.

Council members praised the commission’s detailed reporting and encouraged commissioners to bring specific funding requests for particular events or programs. Councilman Belinski and others said council liaisons should route funding requests through the usual channels and that precise cost projections will make requests more likely to succeed.

Pollock also listed outreach work in 2024: youth outings, workforce training partnerships, events such as Juneteenth and back‑to‑school rallies, health programs in coordination with minority health and the Swanson Center, and partnerships with schools and community groups.

Council members thanked the commissioners for the report and said they would consider how best to coordinate with the county and support specific, itemized funding requests going forward.