The City of Brooklyn Park is launching the second session of its Civic Engagement Education Series, a transformative initiative designed to strengthen civic knowledge, amplify community voices, and foster a more inclusive local democracy.

The upcoming event, titled “Leadership Through Service and City Commission,” is free and open to all Brooklyn Park residents and community members.

Shaping local policy from the ground up

This session explores how residents can actively shape their neighborhoods by serving on local boards and commissions. These bodies serve as a vital bridge between government and the public, directly influencing policy decisions and providing critical recommendations to the City Council.

Event details

Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.Location: North Hennepin Community College, Center for Business & Technology, Helling Hall (7411 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445)

Featured speakers and panels

The evening will feature insights from city leaders, academic experts, and local commissioners sharing their direct experiences in community governance.

Welcoming remarks: Mayor Hollies Winston, City of Brooklyn ParkOpening remarks: Duchess Harris, Ph.D., J.D., Professor of American Studies at Macalester CollegeEmcee: Chelsea Yigan-KohoeLand acknowledgment & American Indian civic engagement: Luis Charging Bear

City of Brooklyn Park commissioners panel

A panel of current commissioners will discuss the responsibilities and impacts of local boards, featuring:

Sunday Alabi (Charter Commission)Amna Arabi (Human Rights Commission)Tekoa Cochran (Community Long-Range Improvement Commission)Kathy Fraser (Planning Commission)

Empowering the next generation

The event will also spotlight youth leadership with a panel hosted by the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth (BBAY), showcasing young leaders who are already making a difference:

Tamarie Smith (Champlin Park High School student & Champlin Community Education Advisory Board member)Yanni Gomez Bando (Park Center High School Class of 2026 graduate & BBAY Board of Directors member)Bolatito Ikotun (Park Center High School Class of 2026 graduate & Human Rights Commission Emerging Leader)

Accessibility and contact information

For questions or to request accommodations, community members can reach out to Cindy Devonish-Hall, Community Engagement and Experience Manager, at cindy.devonish@brooklynpark.org.

If you require this information in alternative formats or need disability accommodations, email access@brooklynpark.org or call 763-424-8000.

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