HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 01-24-2005-6bORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: January 24, 2005
Action AgenPda'
Item No.
SUBJECT: Human Relations Month
DEPARTMENT: Human Rights and Relations
PUBLIC HEARING: (YIN) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
Proclamation
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Milan Pham 960-3877
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough
Chapel Hill
Durham
Mebane
732-8181
968-4501
688-7331
336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To proclaim the month of February as Human Relations Month,
BACKGROUND: Every year, the Governor proclaims the month of February as Human
Relations Month in North Carolina, The Human Relations Commission has planned activities
during the month to increase awareness of social justice issues.
On Sunday, February 6th, the Human Relations Month Kickoff will be held at the
Century Center in Carrboro from 2 to 5 pm. The Commission will be focusing on the
social justice issue of "The Prison Industrial Complex through Literature and the
Spoken Word" featuring Dr, Earl Smith, the Dean of the Wake Forest School of
Sociology, and a series of monologues by the Women's Prison Project followed by a
short question and answer period,
On Sunday, February 27th from 2 to 5 pm at New Hope Elementary School, the
Commission will host its annual Pauli Murray Awards Ceremony. Originally established
in 1990, the Pauli Murray Awards Ceremony recognizes individuals and businesses that
have worked to promote and foster better human relations among the diverse residents
of Orange County. The Pauli Murray Human Relations Award commemorates the life
and achievements of the late Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray.
* All events are sponsored by the North Carolina Humanities Council, the Human Relations Commission,
the Commission for Women and the Department of Human Rights and Relations
In addition, the Commission will sponsor its annual ongoing event throughout Human Relations
Month.
An Essay Contest for youth grades 6 to 12 will also be held throughout the month, with
winners to be announced at the Pauli Murray Awards Ceremony.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact,
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the
Proclamation and authorize the Chair to sign it.
3
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
HUMAN RELATIONS MONTH
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the work of civil rights and social justice advocates continues to grow in
complexity requiring increased diligence and attention as the country enters a period of
retrenchment in civil rights legislation and policy; and
WHEREAS, the Human Relations Commission believes that in order to achieve social justice
and equal opportunity for all Orange County residents, we must first strive to identify the ways in
which we have contributed to oppression and the ways in which we can dismantle it; and
WHEREAS, the Human Relations Commission urges individuals and organizations to actively
engage in the work of eliminating social injustice and oppression by challenging their assumptions
and engaging their communities; and
WHEREAS, the Human Relations Commission honors youth leaders, individuals and
businesses who exemplify the ideals of a continual commitment to justice and equality in the
tradition of Dr. Pauli Murray with an award; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Human Rights and Relations Commission and Department
have diligently served the County of Orange since 1995 and are committed to promoting equal
treatment, opportunity and understanding throughout the community; and
WHEREAS, the County's Civil Rights O rdinance 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 County recognizes the dignity and worth of each individual and desires to
promote and maintain a climate of good will among individuals, races, ethnic groups and persons of
varying social, religious and economic status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status or status
with regard to public assistance;
NOW, THEREFORE, We, The Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, North
Carolina, do hereby proclaim February 2005 as " HUMAN RELATIONS MONTH" in Orange
County and challenge our residents to celebrate multiculturalism in our County by encouraging
residents to embrace our diversity.
THIS THE 24" DAY OF January 2005.
Moses Carey, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners