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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.