Forum/Discussions

March 1, 2014

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mark Allen

National Black Wall Street -Chicago

Lead Spokesman (773) 392-0165

 

Otis Monroe

The Monroe Foundation

 

                                    COMMUNITY ADVOCATES MARK ALLEN AND OTIS MONROE TO MEET WITH AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY COMMISSION

 

 

Community advocates Mark Allen, chairman of the National Black Wall Street -Chicago and Otis Monroe, CEO, the Monroe Foundation will meet with Michael Holmes, executive director of the Illinois African American Family Commission on Monday, March 3rd to discuss the concerns their respective organizations have gathered from applicants that applied for funding through the African American Small Business Grant Program in January.

 

Key concerns to be raised are:

 

- Lack of sensitivity and applicant respect in the manner of sending "Form" notification letters of grant denial (Attached)

- Failure to discuss applicants that have been approved for funding simultaneously with the denial letters

-Failure to disclose to denied applicants the reason(s) for denial instead of again sending a "CHECK LIST" of documents NOT submit ted that may have factor in the denial WITHOUT indicating which document(s) were missing

 

Otis Monroe of the Monroe Foundation, stated, "On January 4th, over 145 African American small business owners and  non-profits leaders convened in Englewood to learn how to apply for this innovative program launched by Governor Quinn  The Monroe Foundation and the National Black Wall Street Chicago joined together to encourage eligible groups that are African American-led to apply, while working to minimize doubt that and sentiment that this program would be the same old same old..........Well, we think that it was just that".

 

Mark Allen of National Black Wall Street Chicago added, :We want the Commission staff and committee members to come back to the community as part of a reconvening so that applicants that attended the January 4th session and were denied, can ask questions for themselves about the decision-making process and keep the process accountable and transparent".

 

Leaders plan a press conference at the Office of the Governor if the outcome to the "Talking Points" are not addressed and a commitment to the reconvening is not agreed to.