Mayor announces new
Office of Equity and Inclusion
The new Office of Equity and Inclusion established by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava will work across County departments and collaborate with community stakeholders to normalize and implement the concepts of equity and inclusion in government and beyond. The Office will track data and statistics measuring gaps in housing, county hiring, and economic opportunities and work to narrow those gaps for marginalized groups in the community.
March 1 - 31, 2021
Commissioner Monestime honors the
Black Affairs Advisory Board
during Black History Month 
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jean Monestime sponsored a recognition ceremony with a proclamation declaring February 17, 2021, “Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Day.” 
 
For more than four decades, the Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board members have focused on advocating for professionals who had been locked out of public and private sector employment, struggling families who needed help making ends meet, migrants who needed assistance navigating a system of bureaucracy, access to health-related services, economic development, housing, and much more. Commissioner Monestime’s Board of County Commissioners colleagues and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava jointly presented the proclamation.

On February 3, the Black Affairs Advisory Board held its annual “State of Black Miami” Forum via Zoom. You can watch it here: https://fb.watch/3U1tJmVskz/
Happy Lunar New Year, the Year of the Ox
The year 2021 is the year of the Ox starting on February 12, 2021, (Lunar New Year Day) and ending on January 31, 2022. It will be a Metal Ox year. Lunar New Year, Chinese Chunjie, Vietnamese Tet, Korean Solnal, and Tibetan Losar (also called Spring Festival) are festivals typically celebrated in China and other Asian countries that begin with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and end on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, 15 days later. 

Having an honest nature Oxen are known for diligence, dependability, strength, and determination. Having great patience and a desire to make progress, Oxen can achieve their goals by consistent effort. Not easily influenced by others, they persist in doing things according to their ideals and capabilities. Before taking action, Oxen will have a definite plan with detailed steps, to which they apply their strong faith and physical strength. As a result, people of the Ox zodiac sign often enjoy great success.
CRB's Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Committee Meeting Discussion
On February 24 the Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Committee of the Community Relations Board (CRB) held a briefing with the Miami Beach Police Department. Topics discussed were the aftermath of the Capitol insurrection of January 6thand its impact on community-police relations, the uptick in gun violence in Miami-Dade, the violence on South Beach, as well as Miami Beach’s Spring Break 2021 plan. Miami Beach Detective Christopher Mitchell is pictured with members and staff of the CRB and staff of the Office of Community Advocacy.
Districts 8 and 9 Mom & Pop
Small Business Grants
Miami-Dade is a small business economy. During this past year, our small businesses have been hit extremely hard, and we are here to help. We are proud to announce that applications for the District 8 and 9 Mom & Pop Small Business Grants are now available. Eligible small businesses in Districts 8 and 9 can receive up to $5,000 in assistance. Application deadlines are coming up soon!
Washington Weekly Reports Feb. 15 -19, 2021
STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT BIDEN ON INTRODUCTION OF THE U.S. CITIZENSHIP ACT OF 2021

Immigration is an irrefutable source of our strength and is essential to who we are as a nation. The last four years of misguided policies have exacerbated the already broken immigration system and highlighted the critical need for reform. I applaud the important work done by Senator Bob Menendez and Representative Linda Sánchez to modernize our immigration system and introduce The U.S. Citizenship Act. 

On February 10, the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board hosted an online briefing on proposed immigration law changes. You can watch it here: https://fb.watch/3U1XAVMpDW/
AAAB on air with ACE Talk Show
Congratulations to Winnie Tang, Josephine Gordy, and Leona Minto-Strouse for hosting the ACE Talk Show on WAVS 1170AM on Sunday evenings from 9 PM to 10 PM, where they share community news with Asian American and Asian Caribbean listeners. Joshua Ho, AAAB Program Director, was a guest on February 21 and discussed AAAB, the County’s Thrive 305 initiative, and the Year of the Ox 2021.
Miami-Dade County monitoring COVID-19
Miami-Dade County officials continue to work with local, state and federal agencies in monitoring COVID-19, part of the coronavirus family. The State of Florida has declared a Public Health Emergency.
For more information and updates on COVID-19, visit the following sites:

Moving to a New Normal:

Miami-Dade County Updates Regarding Coronavirus:
 
Miami-Dade County COVID-19 Testing Locations and Information:

Miami-Dade County #WeCanWeWill public education campaign:
 
Miami-Dade County COVID-19 Relief and Assistance:

United Way of Miami-Dade COVID-19 Resource Center:

Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Updates:
 
CDC COVID-19 Information:

Miami-Dade County COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
or call (305) 614 -2014

Get help paying your light bill:
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1504204216164378
Legal Services of Greater Miami is providing training regarding Unemployment Compensation Benefits During COVID-19. 
Date: March 11, 2021 – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

The training will cover the unemployment compensation programs available in Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics covered will include:
  • Eligibility for reemployment assistance and CARES Act unemployment compensation programs
  • Appeal process
  • Overpayments
  • How to refer clients for legal help

To register go to https://bit.ly/3uzjBL2. You will receive a confirmation email and Zoom information after registration. 
Florida Mobile Mammograms
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. To make mammography services more accessible to you, Florida Mobile Mammography is bringing its services to three County locations. To see what locations are available and schedule an appointment, click the button below.
COMMUNITY ADVOCACY
BOARD MEETINGS UPDATES
**There are several vacancies on the following Advisory Boards. If you are interested in serving on one of our boards, contact the respective board Program Director listed below.
Program Director: Joshua Ho
Chairperson: Sharon Fine

Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 6:00 PM
Location: Westchester Regional Library,
9445 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33165
Program Director: Retha Boone-Fye
Chairperson: Stephen Johnson, Esq.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 10:00 AM
Location: Stephen P. Clark Center, County Commission Chambers, 111 NW 1st Street, Second Floor, Miami, FL 33128
Program Director: Monica Skoko Rodríguez
Chairperson: Sharon Kendrick-Johnson

Wednesday, March 21, 2021 at 4:30 PM
Location: TBA
Program Director: Shirley Plantin, EJD
Chairperson: John Quick, Esq.

Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 2:00 PM
Location: Miami-Dade County Main Library
101 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130
Program Director: Elizabeth Regalado
Chairperson: Miguel A. De Grandy, Esq.

Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 10:00 AM
Location: Stephen P. Clark Center | The County Commission Chambers
111 NW 1st Street, Second Floor, Miami, FL 33128
Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1 (800) 500-1119
Program Director: Katherine Bolt
Chairperson: Nercy Radcliffe

Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 10:00 AM
Location: TBA
Miami-Dade County has the largest population in the State of Florida of individuals 60+ years old. With a County population that totals 2.7 million, more than 435,000 of the total population is made up of those 62+. On May 1, 2018 the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance 18-49 creating the Miami-Dade County Elder Affairs Advisory Board.
Report elder abuse at 1-800-962-2873
Dr. Antonio Jorge Social and Economic Development Council (SEDC)
Program Director: Natalie Milian, MPA
Chairperson: Dr. Raul Moncarz


Friday, March 26, 2021 at 2:00 PM
Location: TBA
Program Director: Natalie Milian, MPA
Chairperson: Francesco Duberli


Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 6:00 PM
Location: TBA
Program Director: Gabriel Paez
Chairperson: Aiyana Angeni Gonzalez

Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 3:00 PM
Location: Stephen P. Clark Center, County Commission Chambers, 111 NW 1st Street, Second Floor, Miami, FL 33128
 Stephen P. Clark Government Center 
111 NW 1st Street Suite 1034
Miami, Florida 33128
Sincerely,

Laura Morilla, Executive Director
Office of Community Advocacy
Office of Community Advocacy 
| 305.375.5730 | laura.morilla@miamidade.gov | www.miamidade.gov/advocacy/home.asp