
On June 10, 2024, the Brooklyn’s Park City Council meeting featured the Juneteenth and Dr. Yang Dao proclamations, a censure discussion against Maria Tran, and an introduction of new employees.
Juneteenth Celebration and Dr. Yang Dao Proclamations
On June 10, 2024, Brooklyn Park’s Juneteenth planning team and Mayor Winston Hollies declared June 19th as Juneteenth Celebration Day. The proclamation honored the end of slavery and recognized the contributions of the 29.5% of Brooklyn Park residents as stated in the 2020 United States Census Bureau of African descent. As mentioned during the proclamation, it is also to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive history of Africans/African Americans to this nation and the Brooklyn Park community.
Mayor Winston also proclaimed June 15, 2024, as Dr. Yang Dao Day in Brooklyn Park, honoring Dr. Yang Dao for his significant contributions as a Hmong scholar, musician, and diplomat. Dr. Dao has served on Brooklyn Park’s Multicultural Advisory Committee for over seven years, inspiring the Hmong community worldwide.
Council Member Maria Tran’s Censure
On January 31, 2024, Mayor Winston and the city manager received a complaint about Council Member Maria Tran of the West District. After an independent investigation, the City Council met on May 20, 2024, and agreed to censure Tran for violating the city’s respectful workplace policy and Brooklyn Park’s code of conduct.
After Mayor Winston read the censure, Council Member XP Lee of East District stated that the censure does not prohibit Council Member Tran from acting as the Council Member for West District at the council, talking to the residents, and getting their input on their issues. However, her behavior will be keenly monitored as part of the censure, he said.
New Employees
The Council welcomed new employees introduced to the fire department during the meeting;
• Jamie Vincent, Program Assistant, previously worked at LendSmart Mortgage. She has 20 years of experience in diverse fields including mortgage, television, and fitness.
• Dan Johnson Powers, Emergency Management Coordinator, previously with United Health Group’s global crisis management team, has over 20 years of experience in emergency management across higher education, healthcare, private industry, and government positions.