Gary Commission on the Social Status of Black Males

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Our Mission:

The mission of the Gary Commission on the Social Status of Black Males (GCSSBM) is to study the social conditions of the city’s Black male population, develop strategies to remedy or assist in remedying serious adversities, and make recommendations to improve the educational, social, economic, employment and other circumstances for Gary. The Commission serves policymakers and public interest groups, as well as the media, community organizations and members of the general public.

About Us:

The Gary Commission on the Social Status of Black Males has continued to be successful while trying to aid in decreasing the problems that Black males face in the areas of criminal justice, education, employment, health and social factors.


The Gary Commission has been in partnership with elected officials, community leaders, policy makers and


the faith based community to serve Black males and resolve issues in these five areas. The Commission seeks out opportunities to partner and enhance existing programs in the community that are working and making a difference for Black males.

The Gary Commission on the Social Status of Black Males is committed to helping to build strong Black men. In the five focus areas the Commission’s mission is to develop strategies and remedies to counter the negative statistics and make recommendations to improve the quality of life for Black males.

The Commission convenes the first Wednesday of each month at 839 Broadway, 1st floor south conference room.The time is 6:00PM – 7:00PM.

GCSSBM Education Subcommittee Report FinalGCSSBM Annual Report 2017

Executive Director and Commissioners Listing

Bennie Muhammad – Executive Director

Steven D. Marcus – Chairman

Gary Police Chief, Richard Allen – Vice Chairman

Dr. Janet Seabrook, Commission Secretary – (C.E.O. Community HealthNet)

Mr. James Wallace, IUN – Commissioner (Director of Diversity, Equity & Multi-Cultural Affairs @ IUN)

Mr. Richard Nash – Commissioner (Office Manager @ WorkOne)

Dr. Vanessa Allen–McCloud, Commissioner (President & C.E.O. Urban League of Northwest Indiana)

Mr. Reginald Delk – Commissioner (Ivy Tech Community College)

Dr. Peggy Hinckley – Commissioner (Emergency Manager, Gary Community School Corporation

Mr. Steven Mays – Commissioner (President Gary Branch of NAACP)

Sub-Committees

Education & Awareness Sub-committee

James Wallace, Jr. - Chairman

The sub-committee is charged with making recommendations to improve educational access and achievement for Black males within the City of Gary.

Sub-committee Members:
Dr. Janet Seabrook

Adra Young
Reginald Delk
Greg Henry
Dr. Angela Johnson-Wells
Steven Marcus
Ronald Gordon

Social & Economic Policy Sub-committee

Richard Nash - Chairman

The goal is to identify Black men & men of color who lack skills, education, experience and the requisite resources to transition into long-term and meaningful employment. The sub-committee is charged with being the initial conduit to connect with other community partners in helping to elevate the Black man economically.

Sub-committee Members:
Braden Wilson
Steven Marcus

Community Engagement & Social Justice Sub-committee

Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud - Chairperson

The goal is to work with members of the community, government officials and law enforcement to ensure due process and social justice  for Black men and boys in the City of Gary.

Sub-committee Members:
Dr. Angela Johnson-Wells
Chief Richard Allen
Dr. Janet Seabrook
Reginald Delk
Steven Marcus
Stephen Mays