Wayne County Commission to take up resolution on income oppression
Published on April 04, 2023
Wayne County Commissioners on Tuesday, April 11, will discuss a resolution calling for action on ending income inequality and oppression.
The resolution will be presented by members of the Wayne County Commission Youth Council (WCCYC), a body of 18 students from high schools throughout the county formed to address issues of concern to young people.
The meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Commission Chambers at the mezzanine level of the Guardian Building, 500 Griswold, Detroit.
"Youth council members have again stepped up by working together on a key issue affecting our county and its young people," Commissioner Baker McCormick said. "This year members have worked hard and applied many of the civic lessons learned. Dierra Surles, who is chair of the WCCYC and a senior at Cass Tech High School, said she really enjoyed the speakers this year which included former (Detroit) Mayor Dennis Archer and Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull."
Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell (D-Detroit) also praised their efforts.
"These are serious young people who address serious issues," Chair Bell said. "I and my fellow commissioners are very proud of these outstanding young people and I hope the community takes note of their efforts."
Youth council members have met monthly, via Zoom, during the current school year.
In addition to the resolution, they will also present their annual report detailing other activities, including traveling to Lansing to discuss gun safety with legislators during Advocacy Day last fall and participating in advocacy training at Wayne State University.
Youth Council members will also take part in Motor City Makeover and War on Trash events in May to help beautify Detroit neighborhoods and participate in summer internship programs.
This is the third year for the youth council. In previous years, the commission adopted resolutions brought by youth council members addressing students' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic and addressing gun control, in the wake of the shootings at Oxford High School.
Applications to join next year's Wayne County Commission Youth Council will be available in August to students attending 10th through 12th grade in any Wayne County High School.
Application forms and other information will be available by contacting Commissioner Baker McCormick's office at (313) 224-0884 or sending an email to bakermccormickstaff@waynecounty.com.
Wayne County Commission to take up resolution on income oppression(PDF, 132KB)