Community News
Inglewood Chamber of Commerce Installation & Awards Dinner
July 12, 2006
At the Inglewood/Airport Area Chamber of Commerce 85th Annual Installation of Officers and Awards Dinner on Friday, June 23, 2006, the Community and Local Government Relations office was represented by Assistant Director Derrick Mims, who mobilized a distinguished group of UCLA alumni, volunteers and friends to join him.
The festive and celebratory atmosphere of the program was complimented by remarks made by Inglewood Mayor Roosevelt Dorn and other city leaders as they recognized current city improvements in employment and economic development. The incoming chamber president, Roland Talton, also outlined an agenda to further expand opportunities throughout the city. It was mentioned that although certain development projects were fine examples of private business and government partnerships, there were many other areas in the city that have issues of blight and underdevelopment that need attention.
The UCLA group in attendance consisted of alumni Mandla Kayise , president of the Black Alumni Association; Debra Hunter Holloway, Government and Community Relations Bruin Council member; Dwayne Wyatt , community activist; Nosizwe Chimurenga-Kayise, expert in the area of foster care and youth development. In addition to the alumni, were friends and supporters Lawrence Jarmon, Dean of Student Affairs at West Los Angeles College; Bill Alexander of the nonprofit agency Home Choices; and Gardena Councilman Steve Bradford, who was also one of the chamber's installation officers.
UCLA Black Alumni President Kayise has been instrumental in making connections and expanding local partnerships between city departments and UCLA's student outreach program, which is located at Roger's Park in Inglewood . This outreach effort continues to be crucial in the battle to prepare K-12 students for academic achievement so that they are competitive in the admission process for UC campuses. The importance of the outreach effort was made even more clear to Ms. Hunter Holloway and Mr. Mims as they were approached by Congresswoman Maxine Waters during the chamber program and she quickly expressed her disappointment and disdain at the low number of African Americans admitted to UCLA. Ms. Hunter Holloway explained the admissions process to Congresswoman Waters with such depth and understanding that the congresswoman complimented her and thanked her for her insight into the matter. They both agreed that the development of smart strategies to address the enrollment crisis remains a top priority.
Inglewood Mayor Roosevelt Dorn with Derrick Mims |
