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Suffolk County is home to nearly 1.5 million people. In 2000, African-Americans, Latinos, Asian-Americans, and other ethnic groups made up nearly 20% of the total population. These various ethnic groups make up the fastest growing communities in our County and with their growth and presence, come a variety of issues and concerns that affect the community as a whole.
County Executive Steve Levy recognizes that many of the issues affecting these communities revolve around access to health care, economic development, and education. He has a firm commitment to the concepts of Equal Employment Opportunities, access to services, and zero tolerance for discrimination. The Office of Minority Affairs supports the Executive's commitment by providing oversight to a number of coalitions and committees that pursue the interests of these communities County-wide and advocate for the needs of communities of color.
Under the Office of Minority Affairs, the County Executive's African-American Advisory Board, the Hispanic Advisory Board, Asian American Advisory Board, and Muslim Advisory Board's primary functions are to improve cultural understanding between these ethnic communities, the County government, and our community as a whole. The Boards also function to promote minority business development, access to services, and encourage civic participation at all levels by all members of the community.
The Office of Minority Affairs is also a home to the County's Minority Business Enterprise Coalition and the Women's Business Enterprise Coalition. Both Coalitions function to assist qualified women and minority-owned businesses in effectively competing for bids, contracts and other procurement opportunities in County government and other entities. Businesses seeking certification as a minority or women-owned business in Suffolk County, may also obtain applications and information on qualifications through the Office of Minority Affairs.
The Office of Minority Affairs also serves as a liaison for the Interfaith Anti-Bias Task Force and the Task Force on Immigration which seeks to improve the quality of life in Suffolk County.
The Office of continuously offers technical assistance to community-based organizations providing outreach and services to the various ethnic communities in Suffolk. Referral and information services are also available to individuals seeking assistance in accessing programs or with questions regarding matters of discrimination. It is the on-going commitment of this administration to promote the growth and development of all the members of our community, for as one individual advances, we all advance in their success. Anti-Bias Task Force
MBDC Membership Form
Minority Owned Businesses Asian American Advisory Board
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