Deegan introduces African American Advisory Board members at Juneteenth ceremony

Mayor Donna Deegan introduced members of Jacksonville’s inaugural Mayoral African American Advisory Board during the city’s Juneteenth observances last month.

Advisory board members include:

• Kimberly Allen, CEO of 904Ward
• Lee Brown, III, former director of human resources at Edward Waters College
• Audrieanne Burgin, director of diversity in business at University of North Florida
• Dawn Curling, executive director, Jax Melanin Market
• Barbara Darby, president, North Campus, Florida State College at Jacksonville
• Latrina Dowdell, executive director, The 32209 Experience Inc.
• Kelly Frazier, president, Northside Coalition of Jacksonville
• Kiara Nixon, community crimes strategies coordinator, Southern Poverty Law Center
• Ronetta Wards, vice president, Jacksonville Public Education Fund
• Errol White, assistant vice president, Bank of America
• Marques Wilkes, director of accelerated degree programs, Edward Waters College

Deegan created the advisory board by executive order in February, announcing its formation during the city’s Black History Month event. Its purpose is to “act as a liaison between the African American community and city government.”

“Your mandate,” Deegan told board members, “is to be my eyes and ears for the African American community by making sure that my priorities align with its aspirations.”

The African American Advisory Board is expected to meet at least once a month, with the first meeting anticipated for July or August.

Jacksonville also has mayoral advisory boards for Hispanic Americans, Disabled Americans and Asian Americans.