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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021-06-18 MinutesMinutes of Meeting Commission on Human Relations Friday, June 18, 2021 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: Susan Cook-Williams, Missy Creed, Kimberly Woodruff, Frank Rycyk, Mitchell Woodrum, Patsy Johnson, Andria Hendricks, Seth Bauman, Jane Barnes Staff present: Gail Strope Others present: Councilmember Laura Ward, Michael Shine – News Tribune, Greg Butler The meeting came to order at 9:01 a.m. by Susan Cook-Williams. Frank Rycyk made a motion to approve May’s meeting minutes, second by Kimberly Woodruff. Motion unanimously passed. Mitchell Woodrum reported the finances remain the same at this time. Susan Cook-Williams reported all items provided for Caffeinated Conversations/Hot Topics have been donated through various sources. Missy Creed presented on Pride month. She provided information on the history of the legal system regarding the LGBTQ+ community as well as the development of celebration and advocacy in communities across the United States. She offered opportunities for inclusion and allyship. She explained each flag and the significance of symbols and colors to represent inclusion and community. Andria Hendricks will present a development issue for the July meeting. Public Comment on Agenda Items: None Old Business: Coffee Conversations Update: Kim Woodruff reported on this event held at McClung Park Pavilioin on June 12, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. About eight community members attended and the topic was trans youth in sports. The conversation remained respectful and inclusive of the opinions of all. The topics ranged from the regulations of high school sports in the state of Missouri, which are defined and monitored, to scripture to scientific studies. This gathering offered opportunities to see things through a different lens. Even if remaining in disagreement on issues, it is important to have conversations to hear other perspective and understandings. Patsy Johnson affirmed the importance of these conversations happening in person. Susan Cook-Williams requested commissioners email her if anyone has ideas for upcoming topics to encourage participation from a more diverse pool of community members. June Speaker Series Event: Kim Woodruff shared the June Speaker Series Event will be held virtually and the theme is “Radical Listening: Stories of Strength from the Trans Community”. This is the final event that will be held fully virtual and will begin at 6:30 p.m. on June 24, 2021. The keynote speaker is Kylar Broadus. He was a professor at Lincoln University and was also the first trans individual to testify before the United States Congress for trans rights. Kim Woodruff shared PROMO will not be able to be involved with this event due to scheduling issues. It would be beneficial to have a young adult share their journey, Kim Woodruff requested commissioners contact her if they have anyone who may be willing to participate. Juneteenth Celebration: Patsy Johnson shared with the commission about activities over the upcoming weekend in our community celebrating and commemorating Juneteenth. Three organizations are putting on programs throughout Jefferson City. This year’s events will be some in person, some virtual. Events range from a motorcade Saturday morning to a movie screening Saturday night to a celebration including vendors and music Sunday. Many events will take place around the Community Center on Dunklin, the Miller Street Park, and Soldier’s Memorial on Lincoln University’s campus. Patsy Johnson shared juneteenthjc.org is a nonprofit started 21 years ago to raise awareness in the community. The events of the weekend have been organized by JC-NAACP, Capital Region, JC Parks and Recreation, Capitol City Cinema, Jefferson City Racial Equity Group, and the Jefferson City Arts Foundation. Susan Cook-Williams encouraged all commissioners to participate in events as possible. New Business: Social Media Highlights: Susan Cook-Williams reminded commissioners about the increase in awareness of the commission in the community in February due to consistent spotlights of Black-owned businesses. She encouraged all commissioners to think of similar ways to bring our community together through this commission. Monthly Themes for the Rest of the Year: Susan Cook-Williams suggested the commission make a plan for the remainder of the year. Frank Rycyk suggested focusing on the topic of Critical Race Theory as it seems to be in the news and frequently discussed in divisive ways. Conversation ensued and it was decided to make the topic of the next Speaker Series Event on Critical Race Theory. This will include individuals in the community to educate on it and serve on a panel to discuss and offer opportunities to better understand it. The purpose of this series and the commission is to increase community awareness, education, and providing a space for individuals to look through a different lens. Following this Speaker Series Event, the next Hot Topic will be on CRT too to offer opportunities for conversations. Susan Cook- Williams requested commissioners contact her if willing and interested to help plan these events. Susan Cook-Williams also discussed that October is Homeless Awareness Month and she recently watched a documentary that may be relevant and appropriate to pair with discussion in the community. The Homeless Connect Event is set for October 8 th. Mitchell Woodrum offered to see if the Cinema is available to offer this documentary to the community sometime in October. Susan Cook-Williams implored all commissioners to find ways to become more involved in the work of the commission. Each individual can help shape and help with details for a successful commission that educates Jefferson City. Public Comment: None Adjournment: The next commission meeting will be offered in hybrid, with some members remaining virtual and some in person at City Hall. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned with a motion by Frank Rycyk, second by Kim Woodruff. The next meeting is scheduled for July 16, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.