Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls
The committee was created as a venue for Black women and girls to express their concerns, experiences, and challenges and where recommendations may be developed for programs, policies, and legislation that will improve the quality of life for Black women and girls.
According to a 2020 Bloomberg CityLab report, the City of Cleveland ranked last in Black women’s overall outcomes, last in Black women’s educational outcomes, and second last in Black women’s health outcomes. The establishment of this Commission aims to confront these inequities and ensure that every Black woman and girl in Cleveland has access to opportunities to achieve social, health, and economic equality and prosperity.
Legislation
§ 162 | Duties of the Commission
The Commission shall:
- Serve in an advisory capacity to the Mayor on matters pertaining to the quality of life for Black women and girls;
- Conduct research, public hearings, and issue reports, including quarterly reports to all members of City Council, on the status of Black women and girls in education, economic development, healthcare, justice, and civil rights;
- Develop, maintain, and share information and referral service to respond to the needs of Black women and girls;
- Recommend policies, programs, or legislation to ensure equality rights and opportunities for all women;
- Solicit grants or contributions on behalf of the City in furtherance and purposes of the Commission;
- Any other responsibility requested by the Mayor.