HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.23.23 - Minutes (FINAL) HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Cultivaling Community Through Social Justin
MINUTES
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
6:00 pm —7:30 pm
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
https://orangecountync.zoom.us/i/85782134210
MEMBERS PRESENT STAFF
Allison Mahaley Melvyn Blackwell, Civil Rights Specialist
Jenn Sykes Courtney McLaughlin, Community Engagement& Outreach
Coordinator
Josh Ravitch
Ruby Garcia
Nathalie Volkheimer
Lynn McGee
Michael Fath
Ana Garcia-Turner
MEMBERS ABSENT
Jameelah Merritt
Deborah Baker
Anjail Taylor
I. Call to Order I Commissioner Mahaley, Chair
A. The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m.
II. Minutes Approval I April 25, 2023
III. Executive Committee Report
A. In-person HRC Meeting — Commissioner Volkheimer is exploring location options for the
June meeting. The HRC already has a location secured at the Passmore Center in
Hillsborough and will keep this reservation for June. Dinner will be provided for the June
session as Commissioner Mahaley and Garcia-Turner will be closing out their terms at that
time. Commissioner Mahaley request that the funds for food be encumbered before
purchasing blackout.
B. Orange County Community Remembrance Coalition — Commissioner Mahaley has met
with James Williams to clarify the expectation of the partnership that was established
before many of the current members joined the HRC. Commissioner Mahaley also wanted
to get a sense of the goals and actions of the Coalition. Dr. Fairbanks is having the MOU
reviewed by the County Attorney and once there is more information, the HRC may need
to follow up with him afterward.
C. PRIDE Month Events —There is interest in utilizing the remaining HRC budget to sponsor
some of the upcoming PRIDE month events occurring in Orange County.
D. BOCC Public Hearing—Commissioner Mahaley will be speaking at the BOCC public hearing
on June 6, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. regarding the charter school proposal that was discussed and
voted upon in the April HRC meeting.
IV. County Updates
A. Orange County Juneteenth Support — Dr. Fairbanks invites Commissioners to support and
attend the Juneteenth Celebration at the public library. Mr. Blackwell will send out flyers
for Commissioners to share with their networks.
Dr. Fairbanks would like the HRC to discuss whether the HRC is open to placing the
remainder of the HRC budget toward supporting the Juneteenth celebration.
Commissioner Volkheimer request a draft budget be made available in the next HRC
meeting for review and discussion.
B. Juneteenth Proclamation Submission — The Freedom Fortnight proclamation has been
submitted to the BOCC. If approved, the Commissioners would like to be invited to read
the proclamation.
C. HRC Appointment— Mark Gouldner will be recommended to the BOCC in the June session
and Commissioner Sykes & Ravitch will be reappointed.
V. HRC Events &Committee Reports
A. Committee Report
i. Community Read I Commissioner Garcia
1. Two (2) books have been identified, "Escaped from Slavery" and "Brown
Enough". Commissioner Garcia anticipates needing HRC support in
purchasing the books necessary for the facilitation of the event.
ii. Communication I Commissioner Volkheimer
1. Commissioner Volkheimer has provided updates on the promotion of the
HRC Facebook page. Would like advice on how to engage the County in
content promotion.
2. Commissioner Volkheimer is awaiting communication from the Northern
Orange MLK Day Planning Committee to learn how they would like the HRC
to be involved in supporting the event.
3. Commissioner Volkheimer is interested in exploring how to streamline the
development of proclamations to allow Commissioners the opportunity to
review and provide input to them.
iii. Pauli Murray Awards
1. Commissioner Fath has volunteered to continue to serve on the
subcommittee. Commissioner McGee has volunteered to be a part of the
subcommittee. Commissioner Mahaley expressed interest in continuing to
serve on the subcommittee after she rotates off the commission.
VI. Next HRC Meeting Location
VI I. Commissioner Check-in (2 mins each)
A. Other Business/Announcement/Upcoming Event
i. Community Dinner — had a great turnout. Parking was full by the time
Commissioner Sykes arrived.
ii. Take Back the Night — Housing department is looking at doing a countywide fair
that brings together the Take Back the Night, Back-to-School, and Housing
programs.
iii. Historical Lecture at Courthouse—attended by Commissioner Volkheimer and was
well received on Facebook. Encourages Commissioners to share photos of events
they attend in the community.
iv. Housing Department—updating eviction policy to allow more consideration around
those who have been justice-involved for minor drug offenses.
v. Alliance Health — Justice United has been running campaigns on mental health
access in the Latino community and reforms within the justice system.
vi. Commissioner Orientation & Fair HousingTraining—will be occurring over the next
few months after new members are onboarded. Mr. Blackwell will provide updates.
VIII. Adjourn
A. Motion to adjourn at 7:05 p.m. by Commissioner Sykes. Second by Commissioner McGee.
All in favor. Motion passes.
NEXT MEETING: June 27, 2023, location TBD