A Cincinnati Council majority is supporting a plan to provide an additional $2 million to benefit the African-American community. It would help with health, business development and job training.
Council Member Wendell Young introduced the motion this week during a Budget and Finance Committee meeting.
Young presented the following statistics:
- Infant mortality among African-American babies is 3x that of white babies.
- African-American unemployment is 2-3x that of the majority population. Unemployment among African-American males averages 25%, and in some Cincinnati neighborhoods it averages 40%.
- African-Americans make up close to 50% of Cincinnati’s population, but account for less than 1% to our region’s GDP.
“As the City of Cincinnati invests in infrastructure to support economic development and job growth, in developments that attract new businesses, and in job retention and growth, it is of critical importance that all members of the Cincinnati community participate in our progress and prosperity,” Young’s motion said.
The $2 million would be included in the next city budget. The funds would be evenly split between four different agencies serving the African-American community.
“The Urban League of Greater Cincinnati, the Hamilton County Community Action Agency, The African- American Chamber of Commerce, and the Center for Closing the Health Gap are four community-based organizations that serve the African-American community,” Young’s motion stated. “And focus on reducing disparities in employment, education, business formation and health. Each has a proven track record of success.”
The motion was sent to city administrators. The issue could be moot after next week's election with a new mayor and the possibility of a different council majority.
