HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRC minutes 081015M E M B E R S P R E S E N T
STAFF
Scott Goldsmith
Susie Enoch
Monica Richard
James Davis
Rollin Russell
Gerald Ponder
Pamela Reynolds
Natalie Turner
Jamie Paulen
Andy Cagle
Joyce Preslar
Alan Jefferies
Christine Kelly- Kleese
G U E S T S
Agyei "A.J." Ekundayo
Excused Absence: Robin Crield, Vanessa Soled, and Matthew Hughes
Unexcused Absence: Marc Xavier
L Call To Order
Chair Gerald Ponder called the meeting to order at 6:13p.m.
II. Introductions
Members introduced themselves to Susie Enoch, new member.
III. Minutes Approval
Jamie Paulen made a motion to approve the minutes from May 18, 2015. Natalie Turner
seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
IV. County Updates
James Davis provided an update on the Juneteenth Celebration, stating that it was a well -
attended event.
James informed the members that a proclamation for Constitution and Citizenship Day was
drafted, and he solicited volunteers to review and amend the draft. Scott Goldsmith, Rollin
Russell, Monica Richard and Jamie Paulen volunteered to review the draft proclamation. James
stated that the proclamation is scheduled to be presented to the BOCC on Tuesday, September
151' in Chapel Hill and there is a related event in Hillsborough on Saturday, September 19th.
James stated that he needed volunteers to assist at the event. Christine Kelly- Kleese indicated
that she may be available to volunteer.
James and Chair Ponder provided an update regarding the County's Accessibility Committee.
This committee is comprised of County Department employees and community volunteers and
will conduct an assessment of the County's facilities to discover whether physical barriers exist
which may impede or prevent access of services to persons with disabilities.
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James provided a brief overview of the emails he received regarding both the Carrboro - Chapel
Hill and Orange County school systems. Regarding CCHSS, parents, students and
representatives from Organizing Against Racism and the NAACP will devise a plan to address
racial inequities and disparities in the school system. Regarding OCS system, a teacher has
written a letter to the school board requesting an explicit ban on clothing with an image(s) of the
Confederate Flag.
The next My Brother's Keeper (MBK) summit is scheduled for Saturday, September 12th in
Hillsborough.
There being no one present who attended the Sons of the Confederacy Rally on August 8th , there
was no update.
James showed a short video on disability sensitivity and introduced guest speaker, Agyei "AY
Ekundayo, Author of "Hindsight is 20/20, A Memoir."
V. Guest Speaker: Agyei "AJ" Ekundayo
Ms. Ekundayo presented information regarding her experiences as a person with a mental
disability. Reading excerpts from her book, "Hindsight is 20/20, A Memoir," she explained the
difficulty in discovering proper care and treatment for her disability, and how her condition was
often addressed by agencies in the same manner as they attend to recovering drug abusers. Ms.
Ekundayo entertained questions regarding her life and invited the members to read more about
her story by visiting www.ajhindsight.tumblr.com.
VI. Subcommittee Updates
Executive Committee:
Chair Ponder reported that former chair, Doris Brunson, has resigned from the board due to her
health. Now that Gerald has ascended from his Vice Chair position, there is a vacancy on the
executive committee. Officer voting will take place at the meeting scheduled for September 14,
2015.
Natalie provided an update regarding social media outlets for the board. She stated that a blog
would be a good option as it will allow the HRC to post relevant news and a calendar of events.
There is also an opportunity for stories to be submitted by "guest bloggers." Monica suggested
that the board also create a Twitter account for the purpose of generating an audience for the
blog. Scott suggested that the board have a link on the County's website to direct people to the
blog. Christine recommended the board to consider the purpose of the blog and whether the blog
is the final destination that other media outlets would be directed.
Building Integrated Communities (BIC):
No Report. Christine revisited the issue of whether the BIC subcommittee should continue to
exist. The board did not vote on this matter. Gerald suggested that all subcommittee meet prior
to the September meeting or for a brief time during the September meeting.
Diversity Matters:
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Rollin reported that the Community Read invitations are ready. He further reported that film
maker Alice Elliott has confirmed her participation in the Human Relations Month Forum.
Rollin stated that Ms. Elliott's participation may result in a very well attended forum. Joyce
suggest that today's guest speaker, Ms. Ekundayo, be invited to participate as a panelist.
Community Relations:
It was reported that the time has come to solicit entries for the annual essay and fair housing
poster contests, and nominations for Pauli Murray Award honorees. Considering that this is the
25th anniversary year of the Americans with Disabilities Act, it was suggested that the poster
contest rules be amended to express special consideration for posters that focus on disabilities.
Scott suggested that the board involve the Carrboro Arts Center to help attract children to
participate in the poster contest.
Collateral Consequences:
It was reported that the subcommittee met to discuss the direction of the work the subcommittee
should focus. Options include a focus on community and police relations. The subcommittee
will continue to discuss options.
VII. Other Business /Announcements
None
VIII. Adiourn
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
James E. Davis, Jr.,
Civil Rights Specialist
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