HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 01-21-2016 - 4-a - Human Relations Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: January 21, 2016
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Human Relations Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Housing, Human Rights and PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
Community Development
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Audrey Spencer-Horsley, Director,
919-245-2492
James E. Davis, Jr.,
919-245-2488
PURPOSE: To officially proclaim the month of February 2016 as "Human Relations Month" in
Orange County.
BACKGROUND: The Governor annually proclaims the month of February as "Human
Relations Month" in North Carolina. The Board of County Commissioners also annually
proclaims February as "Human Relations Month" in Orange County for the purpose of
promoting diversity, inclusion and equal access, and to acknowledge strides in removing
barriers to equal opportunity.
The Human Relations Commission will host its annual Human Relations Month Forum on
Sunday, January 31, 2016 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Whitted Human Services Building
in Hillsborough. The 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) occurred on
July 26, 2015. As such, the HRC has centered its programs for the ensuing year on the topic of
disability awareness. The 2016 Forum is entitled "disABILITIES MATTER: A Focus on
Disability Awareness" and features a special presentation by Alice Elliott. Ms. Elliott is an
Academy Award nominated film maker whose films include stories compelled to change its
viewers' perception of "ability". Forum panelists will also include Leigh Fickling, Director of the
Disability Management System at Duke University; CJ Scarlett, board member of the Lupus
Foundation and a disabled business owner; and Kim Lan Grout, a respected writer and
photographer overcoming a lifetime battle with a rare congenital ailment. Disability advocates
Dr. Timothy Miles and Ms. Pam Dickens will moderate the event.
On Sunday, February 28, 2016, the Human Relations Commission will host the 26th Annual
Pauli Murray Human Relations Awards ceremony. This award is presented to an Orange
County youth, an Orange County adult, and an Orange County business that has served the
community with distinction in the pursuit of equality, justice, and human rights for all residents.
The ceremony will take place at the Whitted Human Services Building in Hillsborough from 3:00
to 5:00 p.m.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable
to this agenda item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
On June 2, 2015, the BOCC signed a Proclamation to Support the Full Implementation of the
Americans with Disabilities Act. The Board also discussed the importance of ensuring equal
access to County services and facilities for persons with disabilities. The Human Relations
Month proclamation and events will further the Board's intent of inclusion and equal access.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board adopt the Proclamation and
authorize the Chair to sign.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
HUMAN RELATIONS MONTH PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners established the Human
Relations Commission in June 1987 with the desire to "encourage mutual understanding and fair
treatment of all citizens"; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County 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 the ideal of social justice for all; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Human Relations Commission has diligently served
Orange County since 1987 and remains committed to promoting equal treatment, opportunity and
understanding throughout the community; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Human Relations Commission enforces the County's
Civil Rights Ordinance which specifically prohibits discrimination based on an individual's race,
color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status and familial status; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Human Relations Commission encourages Orange
County residents, as individuals, to take a stand against social injustice and continue to work
together to make freedom,justice, and equal opportunity available for all; and
WHEREAS, Orange County is committed to preserving the progress made thus far
towards equality and leading the challenge for equal opportunity using all the means at our
disposal;
NOW, THEREFORE, We, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby
proclaim February 2016 as "HUMAN RELATIONS MONTH" in Orange County and challenge
our residents to promote the ideology of social justice for all by celebrating and encouraging
multiculturalism in the County and encouraging all residents to embrace diversity and equal
access in Orange County.
THIS THE 21ST DAY OF JANUARY, 2016.
Earl McKee, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners