Application Deadline for Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls Extended to August 31st

Aug 05, 2022

Cleveland (Aug. 5, 2022) – The deadline for application to the Commission on Black Women and Girls has been extended to August 31. Council, in collaboration with Mayor Bibb’s administration, unanimously passed legislation to create the Commission on Black Women and Girls in early June. The Commission’s mission is to improve the quality of life for women and girls by advocating, initiating, and championing programs and legislation to strengthen families and communities.

Those interested in serving on the Commission can apply at www.clevelandcitycouncil.org

More than 100 women and girls have submitted applications to serve on the commission. Black women and girls know more than anyone else how to improve their position at school, at work, and in the community. Extending the deadline allows time for Council and the Mayor’s administration to receive even more high-quality applicants, and to exhaustively review the prospective members. 

In speaking about the importance of the Commission, Councilwoman Stephanie Howse, one of the legislation’s cosponsors said, “Black women and girls account for more than a quarter of the City’s population. When our city’s black women and girls thrive, Cleveland thrives.”

Councilwoman Deborah Gray, legislation cosponsor stated, “This Commission is a significant step toward empowering Black women and girls who have long been denied numerous opportunities. It represents one of the ways this Council is working to modernize Cleveland.” 

The Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls will serve as an advisor to the mayor and city council and make recommendations based on a data-driven approach. 

The Commission will consist of 12 regular members and 2 ex officio* members, including:  

• One Black woman representing the faith community 
• One Black woman representing corporate Cleveland
• One Black woman representing higher education
• One Black woman who is a MD within one of the hospital systems
• One Black woman representing social services
• One Black woman representing labor
• One Black woman representing education (primary, secondary and/or pre-school)
• One Black woman representing grassroots organizations in Cleveland
• Two Black women in college  
• Two Black students representing ages 11-17 
• One Black woman from the Mayor’s Office* 
• One Black woman to represent Cleveland City Council*