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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.22.25 HRC Minutes 4 Ad HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Cultivating Community Through Social Justice Meeting Minutes Tuesday,April 22,2025 6:00pm—7:30 pm Bonnie B. Davis Conference Room Member Role Attendance Commissioners Jemm Merritt(JM) Commissioner, Chair Present Rhian Carreker-Ford (RCF) Commissioner, Vice Chair Present Tonya Jones, (TJ) Commissioner, Secretary Present Jen Sykes (JS) Commissioner Present Josh Ravitch (JR) Commissioner Present Cory Hogans (CH) Commissioner Present Shane Lukas (SL) Commissioner Present Orange County Staff Paul Slack(PS) Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer Present Courtney McLaughlin (CM) Community Engagement& Outreach Coordinator Present I. Call to Order—Commissioner Carreker-Ford called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. II. Agenda Approval — Motion to approve by Commission Sykes, Second by Commissioner Lukas, Unanimous Approval. Minutes approved. III. Public Comment—Hannah Alachey is a community member in Carrboro who has a 23-year-old son with autism on the spectrum who is having issues with obtaining public transportation for her son to get to his appointments. Ms. Alachey was instructed to send her contact information to Paul Slack who will get her connected to staff within the county who addresses transportation. She was also told to reach out to her son's medical staff (social worker) to see if they can connect her to some resources. IV. County Updates-OCOEI Staff(6:00p--6:45p) Paul Slack&Courtney McLaughlin A. Youth Leadership Program Applications being accepted for ages 14-18 B. Poetry Event scheduled for April 26, 2025, 6:00p-8:30p at Eno Arts Mill C. Community Dinner April 27, 2025, 1:00p-3:00p at McDougle Middle School Cafeteria D. Pauli Murray Awards May 18, 2025, 3:00p-6:00p at the Seymour Center E. Juneteenth Event—June 15, 2025, please reach out to the office if you can assist throughout the day V. Blackwood Farms (6:45p-7:20p)— Discussed a variety of place holder language: -In Loving Memory "Together in spirit, they endured and thrived. Their legacy lives on in our hearts" -Forever Reminded "Here lie those who labored with strength and hope. Their resilience is our foundation" -A Tribute to Their Journey "In honor of those who walked this land with grace and hope. Their legacy shines brightly" -A Legacy of Love "Remembering those who nurtured and cared. Their warmth remains in our souls" Office will get price, designs, and a character count for the committee to make a final decision. VI. Executive Committee Report A. Sub-Committee Meetings will need to occur monthly. For additional support and awareness,the Chair and Vice Chair should be included on the meeting invites. B. Executive Board elections will be open, and nominations will begin at the May meeting.This will ensure a transition period and the incoming board to prepare for the August Retreat. C. Honorarium Vote for the Poet Laureate in the amount of$250. Motion to approve Commissioner Sykes, Second by Commissioner Hogans, Unanimous approval. Approved D. Nominations for two vacancies—The commission reviewed applications. Commissioner Sykes enter a motion to recommend Benjamin King and Mary Lucas for appointment. Second by Commissioner Lukas. Unanimous Vote. Approved. VII. Sub-Committee Reports (7:20-7:50) A. Strategic Advisory Nominations and Governance: Co-Chairs Josh &Alex i Currently 1 vacancy. Commissioner Jemm Merritt has been reappointed for a three-year term. B. Outreach & Engagement: Chair Rhian i. New Chair has been named Shane Lukas C. Community Events: Co-Chairs Tonya &Corey i Pauli Murray Award -May 18, 2025, 3:00p Invitations have been drafted and will be sent out Office to order plaques and canvas prints; continue marketing Event Brite to be launched for event registration Discussed the selection of finalists—final votes will be conducted through email Decorator has been identified and will be sending a quote VIII. Other Business/Announcements IX. Adjourn: Commissioner Sykes moved to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner Hogans second, unanimous approval to adjourn at 7:53 p.m. Next Meeting:Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Solid Waste Management (1207 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516)