HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-04-2003-5bORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: February 4, 2003
Action AgM5-
SUBJECT: Item No. Human Relations Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Human Rights and Relations
PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
Proclamation
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Annette Moore, ext. 2250
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 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. The Human Relations Commission has developed the theme, "Building
Bridges: From Tolerance to Acceptance" to promote the ideal that we must all strive to create
an atmosphere where people are valued and accepted rather than merely tolerated. Centered
around the "Building Bridges" theme, the Human Relations Commission will host the following
activities during the month of February:
• Sunday February 2nd, the Human Relations Month Kickoff was held at the Century
Center in Carrboro from 3 to 5 pm. Invited speakers offered their opinions and
observations on the current struggle for equal rights and the state of human relations in
our community.
Sunday February 9th at 1:30 pm the Seventh Annual Community Dinner will be held
at McDougle Middle School, the theme for the Dinner is "Go to dinner with a
stranger... Come away with a friend." This event is being co-sponsored with the Chapel
Hill Preservation Society; the Cultural Arts Center; the Humanities Council; the Carrboro
Public Library and Mama Dips.
Sunday February 23rd at 2 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.
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 associated with approval of the proclamation.
RECOMMENDATION: The Manager recommends that the Board approve the Proclamation
and authorize the Chair to sign it.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
HUMAN RELATIONS MONTH
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, as we begin our journey into the new millennium it is of the utmost importance
that we take all steps necessary to eradicate practices of discrimination against individuals, which are
detrimental to the peace, welfare and progress of our County; and
WHEREAS, the Human Relations Commission believes that in order to achieve justice and
equal opportunity for all Orange County residents, we must all strive to create an atmosphere
where people are valued and accepted rather than merely tolerated, and therefore continue to
promote that idea through the theme: "Building Bridges: From Tolerance to Acceptance"; and
WHEREAS, the Human Relations Commission honors youth leaders, individuals and
businesses who exemplify the ideals of 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 are committed to promoting equal
treatment, opportunity and understanding throughout the community; and
WHEREAS, the County's Civil Rights Ordinance 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 2003 as "HUMAN RELATIONS MONTH" in Orange
County and challenge our citizens to celebrate multiculturalism in our county by encouraging
citizens to embrace our diversity.
THISTHE 4th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2003.
Margaret W. Brown, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners