HomeMy Public PortalAbout2020-07-17 MinutesMinutes of Meeting
Commission on Human Relations
Friday, July 17, 2020
Due to COVID-19 and social distancing recommendations, the Commission on
Human Relations meeting was made available by using a Webex meeting.
ATTENDEES:
Commission members present:
Patsy Johnson, Susan Cook-Williams, Missy Creed, Kimberly Woodruff, Frand Rycyk, Mitchell Woodrum,
Jane Barnes
Commission members absent:
Jami Wade, Andria Hendricks
Staff present:
Gail Strope
Others present:
Mary Schanz, Paul Kiekhaefer, ABC/17 reporter
The meeting came to order at 8:04 a.m. by Mitchell Woodrum. The June 19, 2020 meeting minutes were
reviewed, revisions were made, and approved with a motion by Frank Rycyk, second by Missy Creed.
The motion unanimously passed.
New Business:
Stronger Through Diversity Speaking Event-July: Mitchell Woodrum updated the commission that the
virtual event will be on July 30, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. rather than the initial date of July 16, 2020. This allows
for more time for securing a speaker and panelists, as well as promoting the event. This event will use
the Webex software which is also Facebook streaming capable. The guest speaker is Reverend Brad
Bryan, who serves as a pastor of a church in Columbia. His presentation will be focused on a journey
toward anti-racism. Rev. Bryan will serve on the panel, as will Rod Chapel and Reverend Cassandra
Gould. Mitchell Woodrum shared this event is co-sponsored by Missouri Faith Voices and the NAACP.
There will be action steps and group training opportunities offered for continued community
engagement. These three organizations will also host additional events on “Know Your Rights” and voter
basics at later dates. The Human Relations Commission will serve in a supportive role for these two
additional events.
UDC Monument Proposal: Paul Kiekhaefer presented to the commission on the plaque and monument
located on Moreau Drive. He shared the history of the placement in 1933 by the United Daughters of
the Confederacy. The monument is a pro-Confederacy, inaccurate sharing of this historical event. His
summation of the issue is as follows:
The existing plaque on the monument at Moreau Drive should be removed given its pro-
Confederate viewpoint and its history as a part of pro-Confederate organizations’ effort to
preserve white supremacy. As the monument does mark a historic location, the plaque should
be replaced with a marker that provides the full context of the Civil War in Jefferson City.
Conversation ensued including community perceptions of the monument and potential ideas for
modification or addendum to provide the proper history for this marker. There is no established group
pursuing this nor is there known funding to make any sort of modification or replacement. At this point,
it is not clear who owns or maintains the monument. Paul Kiekhaefer indicated organizational support
by the Human Relations Commission, as well as the support from any other individuals or interested
groups would be helpful. Mary Schanz, chairperson of the Historic Preservation Commission for
Jefferson City, shared this commission heard the same presentation from Paul Kiekhaefer along with
other community input including Glover Brown on additional Jefferson City history. This commission,
too, is interested in continuing to participate in conversations about proper reflection of Jefferson City
history. As proper ownership of the monument is determined, Mitchell Woodrum made a motion for
the Human Relations Commission to send a letter of support for removal and replacement of this
monument to the city council, second by Pasty Johnson. The motion passed 6-1, with Frank Rycyk voting
“nay”.
Fair Housing Event: Patsy Johnson has secured a guest speaker for this event and the Jefferson City
Board of Realtors continues to plan to have this event but a date has not yet been confirmed.
Unfinished Business:
Interfaith Alliance: Frank Rycyk shared intent to plan an event featuring a variety of faiths and religions.
He will keep the commission updated on progress as plans develop.
Public Comment:
None
Adjournment:
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:57 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for August 21, 2020 at 8:00 a.m.