HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021-08-20 MinutesMinutes of Meeting
Commission on Human Relations
Friday, August 20, 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, Mitchell Woodrum, Frank Rycyk, Jane Barnes
Others present:
Councilmember Ron Fitzwater, Mike Lester, Scott Spencer, Laura Ward, Michael Shine – News Tribune,
Gail Strope and Rebecca Lee – city staff, Marsha Mull
The meeting came to order at 9:04 a.m. by Susan Cook-Williams. Frank Rycyk introduced a guest joining
the meeting this morning, Marsha Mull, who is a writer from Lone Jack, MO. Mitchell Woodrum made a
motion to approve July’s meeting minutes, second by Kim Woodruff. Motion unanimously passed with
Frank Rycyk abstaining from voting as he was not in attendance at the July meeting.
Mitchell Woodrum reported the finances remain the same at this time.
There was no Commissioner Development Moment this month and Frank Rycyk will present on Yom
Kippur at the September meeting.
Public Comment on Agenda Items:
None
Old Business:
August Speaker Series Event and Caffeinated Conversations Update: Susan Cook Williams updated the
commission that this August event has been postponed due to COVID and a preference for this event to
be offered in person. The intended topic was Critical Race Theory and inclusive history in academics. At
this time, the commission will continue discussing plans and continues to seek support and participation
to offer this to the community at a later date.
Critical Race Theory Discussion: Frank Rycyk shared his church community offered a discussion on
Critical Race Theory as well as upcoming events on September 12, 2021 in the adult forum discussion
and another on September 14, 2021 through Rotary. Dr. Darius Watson from Lincoln University will
speak at both of these events. Frank Rycyk will share information on these events with Gail Strope to
distribute to the commission. These events will be offered in a hybrid format.
October Homeless Awareness Event: While there continues to be interest in offering a community
education opportunity including a film at Capitol City Cinema, the commission decided to wait at this
time due to COVID. As previously discussed, there may be a virtual option to offer for these events in the
future.
New Business:
MEI Score Conversation: Susan Cook Williams updated the commission that the current MEI
(Municipality Equality Index through the Human Rights Campaign) is 57/100. Mitchell Woodrum shared
with the commission that four years ago, the city’s score was 0/100, noting several items on the list have
been addressed and improved. Gail Strope shared that the score of 57 is for this calendar year
therefore, any strategy to find and continue to improve will be aimed at next year’s scoring.
City Resource List: Susan Cook Williams discussed compiling a city resource list but it was determined
that collaboration with other groups would be most beneficial as there are already community support
lists among and shared by other organizations.
November Event: Mitchell Woodrum shared an idea for a potential event in November regarding
veterans and mental health. There may be options to partner with other community groups to offer this.
This event would be intended for both veterans and the general public with a focus on mental health
and PTSD. Mitchell Woodrum will pursue this potential event.
Public Comment:
Marsha expressed interest in the veteran’s event as she can relate to mental health issues in veterans in
her own family.
Laura Ward expressed appreciation for this commission.
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 at 9:29 a.m. with a
motion by Kim Woodruff, second by Mitchell Woodrum.
The next meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.