ADVOCATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

Partner with us in Our Rally Cry to Pray for Our Nation!

Pray that God’s will would be done in our nation. “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

“LEADER’S SPOTLIGHT”

Diana Bledsoe

Matthew 6:9-10

Vice Chair of the African American Coalition of Sterling Heights

The African American Coalition of Sterling Heights was established by the city in 2020 to create a forum to help connect the city leadership with its more than 10,000 African American residents. The Group’s mission is “unwavering advocacy for a culture of belonging and inclusion for African Americans in every facet of Sterling Heights.”

How long have you served in your current position?

This is my second year serving as Vice Chair. I started about six or seven months after the organization was established. How have you been successful or made a positive change in Macomb County?

That is something we try to work on every day.One of our major goals going forward is recruitment and membership. We have a page on the City of Sterling Heights website so that residents can find us. Last year’s Juneteenth celebration was the first year and it was so successful, that we wanted to do it again.We tried to make it bigger and better. The City presented a resolution to the organization for the event at the City Council Meeting last year and is planning to do so again this year. Also, we do have individuals that live in other cities that at times have come to visit our meetings for ideas as to how to start a similar organization like this in their communities.

What experiences did or do you have that helps you to be successful in this role?

You have to care about the community to be in this role. Overall, you have to want to be of service and to make sure that the African American residents are included in the decision-making processes that take place within the city and that resources are allocated toward improving areas that impact African Americans. You also have to want to make sure that we’re not forgotten and that diversity is important within the city for everyone.

What is the best piece of advice you have received as it relates to this role? And what advice would you give?

The best advice I can give is to get involved. When this organization came about, it connected with me and resonated with me.I wanted to make a difference in the community. I have been a resident of Sterling Heights and have seen it evolve over the many years that I have lived here. We have progressed, but I know we can do better.

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