HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRC minutes 020915M E M B E R S P R E S E N T
STAFF
Marc Xavier
Monica Richard
Matthew Hughes
James Davis
Rollin Russell
Christine Kelly- Kleese
Doris Brunson
Pamela Reynolds
Alan Jefferies
Vanessa Soleil
Joyce Preslar
Andrea Jones
G U E S T S
Dr. Terri Phoenix
Excused Absence: Natalie Turner, Gerald Ponder and Jamie Paulen
Unexcused Absence: Jilan Li, Antonia Pedroza, and Dominika Baran
L Call To Order
Chair Doris Brunson called the meeting to order at 6:08p.m.
II. Introductions
Introductions were conducted after the arrival of guest presenter, Dr. Terri Phoenix.
III. Minutes Approval
The members reviewed the December, 2014 and the January, 2015 minutes. Rollin Russell
made a motion to accept the December minutes as drafted. Matt Hughes seconded the motion
which passed unanimously. Rollin made a motion to accept the January minutes as drafted.
Monica Richard seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
IV. County Updates
James Davis reminded the board that there will be an update regarding HRC's efforts to address
gender equity on Tuesday, February 3, 2015. Matthew Hughes will present this report. James
also thanked the members for their involvement with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. events.
Rollin Russell and Jamie Paulen participated in the Hillsborough MLK March. Other members
attended the lecture presented by activist Angela Davis at UNC.
V. Subcommittee Updates
Executive Committee:
The members were given a copy of the three (3) new member applications to review: Prof. R.
Ross Holloway, Robin R. Criffield, and Tod Puckett. The members discussed that there were
currently two vacancies with the possibility of a third vacancy because a current member expects
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to move to Durham County. Vanessa Soleil made a motion to invite all three applicants to the
March meeting and defer recommendations to the BOCC. Monica seconded the motion which
passed unanimously.
Regarding the documentary of Grace Lee Boggs, the members discussed the possibility of
hosting a viewing at the Orange County Main Library in Hillsborough on March 14th or March
21st as a lead -in to the Community Read scheduled for March 23, 2015. James informed the
members that the library has secured a copy of A Matter of Sex and that this film can be shown
on either March 14th or March 21st at 2:00 p.m. The Grace Lee Boggs documentary has not been
obtained. The members recommended that if the Boggs documentary is not available, only show
A Matter of Sex, and the viewing should be March 14th. Rollin made a formal motion to show
the film on March 14, 2015. Joyce Preslar seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
James will make all necessary arrangements with the library.
There was discussion on upcoming special presentations. Rollin recommended that Luke Smith
with El Futuro, Inc. should be invited to make a presentation. James informed Rollin that he has
spoken with Luke Smith and has sent him an email asking whether he would be available to
attend the March or April, 2015 meeting. James will provide an update.
Building Integrated Communities (BIC):
No Report.
Community Relations:
Rollin announced that there is a Diversity Matters Subcommittee meeting on Monday, February
16th at 6:00 p.m. at the staff office in Hillsborough.
Regarding the Pauli Murray Awards, James announced that the logistics for the program are
complete. All posters for the Fair Housing Poster Contest will be displayed. Letters have been
sent to all previous Pauli Murray Award winners.
Collateral Consequences:
Vanessa Soleil stated that she met with James Williams, Public Defender. It was recommended
that the HRC host a forum with the police and constituents.
VL Guest Presentation
Dr. Terri Phoenix, Director of the LGBTQ Center at UNC- Chapel Hill, presented information on
the LGBTQ community. Dr. Phoenix provided an update on the program at UNC, stating that
the Center has been on campus for ten (10) years. The Center administers a Safe Zone program,
acts as a resource of information, and provides advocacy.
Dr. Phoenix explained and defined the four "sex" groupings:
• Assigned Sex
• Gender Identity
• Gender Expression
• Sexual Orientation
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Dr. Phoenix also explained and defined the terms intersex, transgender and cisgender. In the
promotion of equal opportunities, Dr. Phoenix discussed the importance of family or gender -
neutral public restrooms. With regard to etiquette, Dr. Phoenix stated that it is proper to ask a
person which pronoun the person prefers. Some persons prefer sex - neutral pronouns such as
"they" or "hir." Additional information can be obtained at www.Igbtq.unc.edu.
VII. Other Business /Announcements
No other business or announcements.
VIII. Adiourn
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
James E. Davis, Jr.,
Interim Director
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