HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRC minutes 011314M E M B E R S P R E S E N T
STAFF
Natalie Turner
Gerald Ponder
Rollin Russell
James Davis
Monica Richard
Christine Kelly- Kleese
Joyce Preslar
Robert Ireland
Doris Hines Brunson
Matthew Hughes
Marc Xavier
Preston Scott Phillips
Cynthia Stubbs
G U E S T
S
Absent: Li -Chen Chin, Joe Polich, Dominika Baran, and Jamie Paulen
L Call To Order
Co -Chair Rollin Russell called the meeting to order at 6:43 p.m.
II. Introductions
The members introduced themselves to new member Doris Brunson.
III. Minutes
The November and December 2013 minutes were reviewed and accepted on a motion by Matt
Hughes. Gerald Ponder seconded the motion.
IV. Subcommittee Updates
Executive Committee:
James reported that the suggestion for a member to vacate an at -large seat and seek an
appointment through the Town of Chapel Hill was not feasible due to that member's address.
The two (2) town - appointed seats will remain vacant until such time when the Town of Chapel
Hill and the Town of Carrboro appoint a representative.
Building Integrated Communities:
Scott spoke with a police officer with the Town of Chapel Hill's Community Services Unit about
creating an opportunity for the Police Department to do outreach catering to the Karen
community. The officer is agreeable to this opportunity. Scott will follow up with the Chapel
Hill Police Department and will also contact the Carrboro and Hillsborough police departments
to inquire on outreach opportunities in their respective jurisdictions. Scott will also follow up
with the Church World Service's Immigration and Refugee Program for outreach opportunities.
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Diversity Matters:
Rollin provided an update on the Human Relations Month Forum and the Community Read. The
Forum is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, 2014 from 2:30 p.m. — 5:00 p.m. at the Carrboro
Century Center. The Community Read featuring author Michael Wenger will be held at the
Orange County Main Library in Hillsborough on Monday, March 31, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. —
8:00 p.m. Joyce reported that the play she drafted from the literary works of George Moses
Horton has been reviewed and endorsed by UNC acting professor David Hammond. She also
reported that the play has been reviewed by actor and playwright Mike Wiley. The Diversity
Matters subcommittee will discuss methods of increasing diversity relations in Orange County.
The subcommittee plans to coordinate its efforts in partnership with the Building Integrated
Communities subcommittee.
Tenants' Bill of Rights:
James informed the members that the document has been posted on the HRC's website. Robert
recommended that the document be sent to the UNC Housing Department and made available to
students living on and off campus. James will send forward recommendation to the UNC Legal
Clinic.
Pauli Murray Awards:
The subcommittee recommended Desaray Rockett to receive the youth award, Judith Blau to
receive the individual /adult award and Vimala's Curryblossom Cafe to receive the business
award. Rollin made a motion to approve these recommendations. Cynthia seconded the motion.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, February 23, 2014 at the Central Orange Senior
Center from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The subcommittee requested that the entertainment be
provided by Diali Cissokho and his band mate John Westmoreland.
Essay Contest:
It was reported that there are two (2) high school essays and one (1) middle school essay. A
second middle school essay was submitted in an inaccessible electronic format. James will ask
the student to reseed the essay and he will forward it to the subcommittee. The subcommittee
discussed methods to increase student participation. It was recommended that future essay
contests include prompts that lend to creative or expository writing, instead of research writing.
Christine requested the members to consider making a monetary donation to be given to the
winners of the essay contest.
Poster Contest
The members viewed the winning posters. James informed the members that the posters will be
displayed in the departmental calendar. A copy of the calendar will be issued to the members
during the meeting on February 10, 2014.
Collateral Consequences:
No Report
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V. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Events
Robert, Rollin and Natalie plan to attend the march and celebration at the Mt. Bright Baptist
Church in Hillsborough. Christine plans to attend the march and program at the First Baptist
Church in Chapel Hill. Both events will be held on Monday, January 20, 2014.
VL Other Business /Announcements
James requested members to attend the BOCC meeting on Thursday, January 23, 2014 to make a
public comment about the Human Relations Month Forum. James also advised the members that
the Human Relations Month Proclamation will be presented by the County Commissioners on
Monday, February 3, 2014. Both meetings will be in Hillsborough.
It was announced that the annual Hogg Day celebration has been cancelled.
VII. Adiourn
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
James E. Davis, Jr.,
Civil Rights Specialist
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