HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 01-15-2008-3eORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: January 15, 2008
Action Agenda
Item No. _~p
SUBJECT: Proclamation Acknowledging February as "Human Relations Month"
DEPARTMENT: Human Rights and Relations & PUBLIC HEARING: (Yes/No) No
Orange County Human.
Relations Commission
ATTACHMENT(S):
Proclamation
INFORMATION CONTACT:
James Spivey, 968-2288
Bill Hendrickson, Chair HRC
PURPOSE: To officially proclaim the month of February as "Human Relations Month" in
Orange County.
BACKGROUND: The Governor annually proclaims the month of February as "Human
Relations Month" in North Carolina. The Orange County Human Relations Commission has
planned activities during the month to increase awareness of social justice issues.
On Sunday, January 27, 2008, the Human Relations Month Kickoff will be held at THE
CARRBORO CENTURY CENTER In CARRBORO from 2:30 PM t0 S:OOPM. The Commission will be
focusing on healthcare inequities. The key speakers will be Shannon Fleg and Anthony Fleg.
Ms. Fleg is a proud Dine (Navajo) woman from Arizona who serves as a coordinator for the
Native Health Initiative. Ms. Fleg is a social research associate for the UNC Center for Health
Promotion and Disease Prevention. Mr. Fleg serves as a coordinator for the Native Health
Initiative and testified in October 2007 before the United States Senate Finance Committee
regarding drug companies' influence on doctors. Mr. Fleg recently earned a Masters in Public
Health from UNC and will graduate from medical school in May 2008. The Kickoff will include
musical entertainment by the band, Big Much and a performance by the Chuck Davis African-
American Dance Ensemble.
On Sunday, February 24, 2008 from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, the Pauli Murray Human Relations
Awards Ceremony will be held at the Little Theater of New Hope Elementary School. Originally
established in 1990, the Pauli Murray Human Relations Award commemorates the life and
achievements of the late Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray. With its solicitation for nominations for the
Pauli Murray Award, the Human Relations Commission hopes that Orange County residents
give serious consideration to its collective efforts to "build bridges from tolerance to acceptance"
in regard to the Community's multifaceted diversity.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proposed
proclamation and authorize the Chair to sign it.
REVISED 1/11/OS ITEM 3-e 2
See Bold
OI~;ANGE COITNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
HUMAN RELATIONS MONTH PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of
all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in Orange
County; and
WHEREAS, it is of the utmost importance that we take all steps necessary to eradicate
practices of discrimination against individuals, which are detrimental to freedom, justice and
peace in our County; and
WHEREAS, the Human Relations Commission believes that in order to achieve justice
and equal opportunity for all Orange County residents, we must all strive to create an atmosphere
where people are valued and accepted rather than merely tolerated, and therefore continue to
promote that idea through the theme: "Building Bridges: From ToCerance to Acceptance"; and
WHEREAS, the Human Relations Commission honors youth leaders, individuals and
businesses who exemplify the ideals of justice and equality in the tradition of Dr. Pauli Murray
with an award; and
WFIEREAS, the Orange County Human Rights and Relations Commission and Office
have diligently served the County of Orange since 1995 and are committed to promoting equal
treatment, opportunity and understanding throughout the community; and
WHEREAS, the County's Civil .Rights Ordinance specifically prohibits discrimination
based on an individual's race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation,
disability, age, veteran status and familial status; and
WHEREAS, the County recognizes the dignity and worth of each individual and desires
to promote and maintain equality and good will among individuals, races, ethnic groups and
persons of varying social, religious and economic status, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation,
marital status or status with regard to public assistance;
NOW, THEREFORE, We, The Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, North
Carolina, do hereby proclaim February 2008 as "HUMAN RELATIONS MONTH" in Orange
County and challenge our residents to celebrate multiculturalism in our county by encouraging
residents to embrace our diversity.
THIS THE I St'` DAY OF JANUARY, 2008.
Barry Jacobs, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners