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Page last updated on July 13, 2026 at 2:44 pm

The Bloomington Commission on the Status of Black Males (CSBM) was established in 2001. The Commission's purpose and duties include:

  • To develop action committees addressing problems of Black males in the areas of Education, Health, Criminal Justice and Employment;
  • To serve as a catalyst to promote positive public and private remedies to the multi-faceted problems confronting Black males in our community and the resulting effects on the entire community;
  • To organize and convene community forums and neighborhood-based focus groups to discuss the status of Black males;
  • To network with groups with similar missions, such as the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, the African American National Council, and local commissions throughout the state, sharing ideas, information, data and plans.

Statutory Authority: BMC 2.23.070

Upcoming Events!

Million Father March

Volunteer Sign Up

  • Join the Commission on the Status of Black Males, fathers, fathers figures, mentors and role models as they welcome students back on the first day of school at Fairview Elementary School on Wednesday, August 5th. Pre-registration is required. 

 

Initiatives

Outstanding Leaders of Tomorrow

  • The Outstanding Black Male and Woman Leaders of Tomorrow awards are presented annually at the Black History Month Gala to two high school and two adult recipients for outstanding leadership, scholarship, and involvement in making meaningful contributions to the Bloomington community.

     

Black Male Youth Summit

  • The Black Male Youth Summit is an opportunity for young black males in Bloomington to join together for a day of personal and professional development with community leaders.
  • Register for the Black Male Youth Summit HERE or visit the Summit Info Page
  • Summit Sponsorship

     

Black Barbershop Health Initiative

  • The Black Barbershop Health Initiative provides free health screenings and conversations centered around men’s health at local barbershops.

     

Black Male Grads

Million Father March

  • The CSBM organizes fathers, father figures, mentors, and role models to welcome students back to school as part of the Million Father March. Sign Up Here

     

Photos with Santa

  • The CSBM hosts a picture-taking session with Santa Claus of color during the holidays.

All meetings are held in the Hooker Conference Room #245, at City Hall at Showers Plaza, 401 N. Morton Street, Bloomington, Indiana on the Second Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. (Dates and meeting rooms are subject to change)

 

Contact Info

Contact [email protected] or 812.349.3430.

Receive Updates

Subscribe to the Commission on the Status of Black Males email updates, including meeting minutes and agendas.

Members

Dhakir Abdullah

Appointed By:
Mayor
Term:
2/1/2026 - 1/31/2028
Appointment Date:
2/1/2026

Tyson Coe

Appointed By:
Mayor
Term:
2/1/2025 - 1/31/2027
Appointment Date:
10/16/2025

Siddhu McLeod

Appointed By:
Common Council
Term:
2/1/2026 - 1/31/2028
Appointment Date:
2/1/2026

Diana Opata

Appointed By:
Common Council
Term:
2/1/2025 - 1/31/2027
Appointment Date:
2/5/2025

James Sanders

Appointed By:
MLK Birthday Commission
Term:
2/1/2025 - 1/31/2027
Appointment Date:
2/1/2025

Patrick Smith

Appointed By:
Mayor
Term:
2/1/2025 - 1/31/2027
Appointment Date:
2/1/2025

Cornelius Wright

Appointed By:
Human Rights Commission
Term:
2/1/2026 - 1/31/2028
Appointment Date:
2/1/2026