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.<\/p>\n
The upcoming event, titled “Leadership Through Service and City Commission,” is free and open to all Brooklyn Park residents and community members.<\/p>\n
Shaping local policy from the ground up<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Event details<\/p>\n
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026Time: 5:00 p.m. \u2013 7:00 p.m.Location: North Hennepin Community College, Center for Business & Technology, Helling Hall (7411 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445)<\/p>\n
Featured speakers and panels<\/p>\n
The evening will feature insights from city leaders, academic experts, and local commissioners sharing their direct experiences in community governance.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
City of Brooklyn Park commissioners panel<\/p>\n
A panel of current commissioners will discuss the responsibilities and impacts of local boards, featuring:<\/p>\n
Sunday Alabi (Charter Commission)Amna Arabi (Human Rights Commission)Tekoa Cochran (Community Long-Range Improvement Commission)Kathy Fraser (Planning Commission)<\/p>\n
Empowering the next generation<\/p>\n
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:<\/p>\n
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)<\/p>\n
Accessibility and contact information<\/p>\n
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<\/a>.<\/p>\n