HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRC minutes 111014Orange County Human Relations Commission
Minutes
Monday, November 10, 2014
Orange County Animal Services Building Conference Room
M E M B E R S P R E S E N T
STAFF
Joyce Preslar
Andrea Jones
Christine Kelly- Kleese
James Davis
Vanessa Soleil
Alan Jefferies
Marc Xavier
Pamela Reynolds
Dominika Baran
Gerald Ponder
Doris Brunson
Rollin Russell
Monica Richard
G U E S T S
Absent: Jamie Paulen, Matthew Hughes, Jilan Li, Antonia Pedroza and Natalie Turner
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L Call To Order
Chair Doris Brunson called the meeting to order at 6:12p.m.
II. Introductions
The board welcomed and introduced themselves to new member Alan Jefferies.
III. Minutes Approval
The October Minutes were not available for review at the meeting. The members suggested to
review the Minutes as circulated via email and provide feedback to staff member James Davis.
Rollin Russell made a motion that the Executive Committee approve the minutes during their
subcommittee meeting. The motion was seconded by Monica Richard.
IV. County Updates
James Davis reminded the body that the annual report is due on Friday, December 5, 2014. A
copy of the draft report will be provided to the members to review and edit as necessary.
James will provide an update on a report to the BOCC regarding the board's achievements and
goals with regard to addressing the equitable treatment of women.
The board will present a comprehensive proclamation for Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day
and Human Rights Week on December 1, 2014. Rollin Russell volunteered to make this
presentation on behalf of the board. There will also be a presentation of a resolution voicing the
BOCC's position that unaccompanied immigrant youth should be granted access to certain
rights, including the right to public education. Doris Brunson will make this presentation. James
reported that he will be moderating a Human Rights Day program on December 10, 2014 at the
Seymour Senior Center. The event is presented by the Orange County Department on Aging.
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James asked the members to decide where to host the 2015 HRC meetings. Doris recommended
that the meetings should be held in Hillsborough in the newly renovated space in the Whitted
Building. The members discussed the pros and cons of having meetings in Hillsborough or
rotating alternate meetings in Hillsborough. After discussion, Rollin made a motion that the
meetings should remain at the Animal Services Complex as a centrally located venue in Orange
County. Monica seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
V. Subcommittee Updates
Executive Committee:
Doris advised the members that she will not be available to meet in December as scheduled.
Doris recommended that the December meeting be held on December 151' instead of December
81'. Rollin made a motion to accept Doris' recommendation. Gerald seconded the motion which
passed unanimously.
Doris announced that the Rogers Road Community Center dedication is on Saturday, November
151' at 9 a.m. She plans to be in attendance. Doris also announced that there will be an Advisory
Boards Chair meeting with the BOCC on November 25, 2014.
Building Integrated Communities (BIC):
Doris stated that she knows Mr. Dennis Gaddy at the Community Success Initiative and
suggested that he be invited to speak to the HRC at an upcoming meeting.
Diversity Matters:
Rollin provided a written report updating the members on the progress made towards finalizing
the agenda for the Human Relations Month Forum. The Forum is scheduled for Sunday, January
251'. Doris will be the emcee. Rollin suggested that James have a bookmark or a promotional
card drafted which includes the wording of the 191i Amendment.
Rollin also provided an update on the 2015 Community Read. Donna Bickford has confirmed
her intent to moderate the discussion which will be held in March 2015. The subcommittee will
consider a date that coincides with Ms. Bickford's availability and is not during the week of
UNC Spring Break.
Joyce provided an update on the dramatization of the literary work of George Moses Horton.
She stated that the play has been delivered to the drama teacher at Carrboro High School and
they are considering performing the play.
Pauli Murray Awards:
Gerald stated he has an outline of the Pauli Murray Awards program. Doris will contact Pauli
Murray's family and other volunteers will contact the Duke University Pauli Murray Project,
Chapel of the Cross, St. Matthews Episcopal Church and Dr. Murray's church in Durham.
Andrea will create a presentation of Pauli Murray pictures. James reported that there are no
nominations to date. He also reported that an organization donated risers to the County which
can be used as staging in the Whitted Building for the Pauli Murray Awards program.
Essay Contest
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The members discussed the contest awards.
Poster Contest
It was recommended that the staff communicate with the superintendents of both public school
systems as well as mentoring programs in an effort to solicit student participation.
Collateral Consequences:
Andrea Jones reported that the previously referenced listening sessions have not yet been
scheduled. Vanessa Soleil reported that she received email correspondence from Damien Seils
regarding police accountability.
VL Other Business /Announcements
No additional business /announcements.
VIII. Adiourn
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. on a motion by Doris
Brunson.
Respectfully Submitted:
James E. Davis, Jr.,
Interim Director
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